New doggie day care centre is happy tail for Gemma and John

IT is certainly not a dog’s life for the happy canines fortunate enough to attend a pooch’s paradise in Delph.

Helping Hands Doggie Day care on Delph New Road is a new, play away day facility for our four-legged friends.

So, while you are slaving away at work, man’s and woman’s best friends are enjoying doggie heaven, meeting new chums, going for walks and enjoying endless play opportunities.

There are even a couple of trampolines for the more mobile visitors.

And if it’s all too much Prince, Rover, Simba and co can simply crash out on a variety of chairs and settees.

Helping Hands is run by animal lovers Gemma Dumbill and John Blackman.

The ultra-spacious premises opened just before Christmas and fulfilled the couple’s long-standing ambition to open facilities offering doggie day care and creature comforts for the area’s pets.

Gemma and John have done dog walking and animal care for years so this was a natural progression.

Helping Hands, open from 7am – 6pm, with half day sessions either 7am – 12pm or 1pm – 6pm.

They currently accept dogs from the age of six months but are considering operating a facility for puppies from 12 weeks upwards.

With dog training classes on Wednesday evenings, hour-long stay and play sessions and urban agility (parkour) workouts, there’s plenty to keep tails wagging for hours.

“Everybody who has brought their dogs have been very happy with what we offer and want to come back again,” added Gemma.

“The dogs seem happy as well,” added John.

“It’s good for developing their social skills as they are around us, the staff, and all their four legged friends.

“They don’t get bored or lonely like at home, because they are kept entertained and comforted.

“They also get a 20-minute walk, twice a day, which is included in the day care price.

“Some dogs are nervous the first time they come to us; it’s like children going to school for the first time.

“But the second time as soon as owners open the car doors their dogs fly in.”