Harry

Thanking you in so many ways, we wish you’d known Harry for longer, seen him run, jump and burst a football ( his favourite thing to do!) things we are missing.  Thank you making his passing so gentle, and allowing Harry to determine the pace of him leaving us. Thank you for stroking our old shepherd Meg and talking so sweetly to her, she is missing him, tons of extra cuddles which brings both parties comfort. We miss him we loved him. He was our kind of crazy perfect x

Elle

Elle was with us for 18.5 years, and we are left with an empty feeling in the home, yet with so much love and countless treasured memories.  Fiercely independent, she discovered the great outdoors at an early age and patrolled her territories with huge dedication.  She took part in many fights, overcame injuries, lost the sight in one eye – but always lived life to the full. She would climb trees, fences and rooftops, her life was always busy and performed in 3D. She would come sprinting home for food, sleep and strokes, then depart rapidly for another shift outdoors. Inevitably, with age, she slowed down, and showed us another part of her character, one much more open to long cuddles, and the pleasures of just being.  What an honour it has been to have had her sharing her long life with us!

Elle/Ellie/Ellie MacQellie/Ellie Bon Bellie is now reunited with our son, she was always his cat.

We cannot thank Mark and his team enough for the superb care, respect and empathy that we, and Elle, received, not least at the end. Thank you.

Bernie

Hi Mark and  Rebecca,

Thank you for your kind email. It was so reassuring to speak to Rebecca last Thursday about Bernie and then book the appointment for you to come out to her.

I’m sorry I couldn’t face being with her at the end but knew she would be in safe hands as a friend had recommended you both.

Bernie hated going to the vet and I knew when her time had come I wanted her to be in her own home and not frightened.

She was very stoic and loyal dog and we are missing her terribly . We lost our Welsh terrier last march and now Bernie has gone there is huge vacuum in our home.

Thank you for bring her back to us so quickly. She is now at the bottom of the garden with Stan.

Thanks again for your professional service and caring attitude towards us at this sad time. 

Please see attached photos in happier times 

Kind regards 

Clyde

I can’t thank you enough for all your kindness, understanding, compassion and time that you showed Clyde and me on Thursday.  It was a difficult time and decision for me, but I can honestly say the relief and understanding you gave us both helped me so much. It was all so peaceful & relaxing to say goodbye to him. Clyde’s sister Abi, is also coping so much better than I thought she would, thanks again to you.

Clyde was certainly a wonderful, gentle and calm dog all his life with not a bad bone in his body.  He was brought up on an island with Abi and had a great childhood on the beach, in the sea and loved by everyone.  Although his last few months were hard for him, he never ceased to amaze me with his determination and was more than a man’s best friend to me & Abi - he helped me through difficult times too.

Thank you again Mark. I feel there are not adequate words, but hope you know what a wonderful person you really are.

My best regards

Gemma

Gemma Bee ( 22/03/07 – 3/12/22)

I will be forever grateful to you Mark for your kindness and understanding at the most difficult time for me in making the awful decision for my girl.  Collies soldier on no matter how much they hurt or feel ill, they just keep giving their all.   For her to go to sleep after eating treats on her rug was the kindest thing for her, she was not stressed or anxious. She was at home in her own surroundings with her family who she knew loved her by her side. Thank you for coming so quickly and for taking the time to talk me through what was going to happen and confirming that the decision I had made was the best decision for Gemma. Thank you for helping me say good bye to my lovely old girl in such a compassionate way.

We adopted Gemma from the Blue Cross when she was 10 months old.  Gemma was a beautiful collie both inside and out.  She was clever, loyal, loving, friendly, quick to learn and was keen to have a 'go' at anything she was asked to do.  We understood each other, we made a good team together.  We enjoyed dog training in obedience and agility. She taught me a lot about dog training, in fact a friend said that Gemma trained me! 

We walked miles together, if on a planned walk she arrived at a river or pond before us, you could hear her squeal with pleasure at being in the water.  We had some truly wonderful, happy years together.

Gemma was my loyal friend, and has helped  me over some really difficult times in my life.  She trusted me and I trusted her, she stayed by my side for 15 years, I never went anywhere without her. 

Up until the last  two years she has happily gone into any vets,  but following problems with her eyes and her mouth she started getting stressed when visiting the vets. Especially during COVID when I was not able to go in with her. I had to bribe her to go in using chicken.  When the end of her life was near, it was important to me to give something back to her and  alleviate any pain she might have had to endure.  Mark giving her sleep at home without any stress for her, meant so much to me and in some small way thanked her for being my friend.

Gemma was much loved and will be greatly missed.

Run free Gem Gem. 

Pop

Pop was my constant companion from the time she was 8 weeks old, she was so tiny that she spent the first month tucked inside my hoodie just to keep her warm.  Pop likes nothing more than tucking herself under your arm or pushing behind your back when you were sitting down… bedtime was her favourite time of day when it was time for a prawn cracker and to curl up in the back of my knees…

She might have been a small girl but she more than made up for it in character…

She was fiercely loyal and protective…. She loved babies and was always there to babysit as soon as one was in the house… she has left a huge hole in our hearts, there will never be another dog quite like her 

Lulu

Dear Mark

I can’t thank you enough for your kindness and the calming aura you brought to us all at such a sad and heartbreaking time.

Lulu hadn’t been herself for sometime, but she still liked a cuddle and her appetite never wained, but the day we called you it was definitely Lulu’s time to go.

You made her last moments so peaceful and pain free, she just drifted off to sleep.

Our beautiful Staffie Lulu would have been 14 years old in December, she had a great doggy life and was so loved by all the family. In time I hope we can remember her in her younger days … she was funny, loyal, so loving and the heart of our family, she especially loved a drop of Dad’s Guinness, apples and cheese

Thank you so much once again for explaining the process, not rushing us and bringing relief to our treasured Lulu

Very many thanks

Molly

Molly came to us as a rescue dog when she was seven months old.

Typically for a Border Collie she was clever, quick and always ready to go.

She didn't care much for other dogs but just wanted to be by our side, gently nipping our heels to hurry us along or giving us the 'collie eye' if we got out of line. .

She took agility & canicross in her stride but nothing beat a day in the Scottish mountains where she was truly in her element and would lead us all the way to the top.

She lived a good and happy life.

As she sadly came towards the end at age 13, we were so grateful to have the care of Mark and team who enabled us to gently let her go with great sensitivity and respect.

We will miss you always our sweet Molly. Sleep tight our darling dog.

Bernard

Our much loved silver Labrador who protected us as an unconditional friend for twelve years. 

Bernie didn’t like travelling or going to the vets. Right from a pup he took an instant dislike to going into a surgery and the car. 

We were his entire world and his sole mission in life was to make sure we were safe. Nothing else mattered to him (other than food, walks, terrifying the postman, barking, sunbathing, emptying the bin, eating pears and cosy fires). 

Mark was a true blessing for Bernard and for us as a family. He was getting old and creaky and had started to decline both physically and mentally (Bernie not Mark!). 

As an owner it’s the most difficult decision to make to essentially end your friends life. You know they are in pain. Their life isn’t what is was. But when is the right time? And is that time for them or for you? 

Mark guided us through this. There was never going to be a right time. Not for us or for Bernie. Not an absolute exact 100% right time. But there could have been a wrong one by leaving it too late. I knew my dog and despite his love for us which was evident to the end I knew he wasn’t the dog he was. He still tried to be insane, high maintenance, over protective and jump up at everything! All of which we desperately miss in our lives without him. But he couldn’t. He was an old man. I hope we gave him the life he deserved. He gave us so much more than he ever knew. 

Mark came to our home and allowed us time and space to say our goodbyes to our dearest boy. It is without doubt the way Bernie would have wanted it to be. On his bed, with me holding his paw, my son and Nige both at his side. And because we had time to say goodbye we spent as much time as we could prior giving him constant attention, treats, sitting on the sofa, a million cuddles, a last walk and the time to say thank you to him for being there for us.  Precious final memories that were made possible by not leaving it too late. 

Mark gave Bernie a sedative in front of his much loved log burning stove, on his bed and gently went to sleep. No cars. No travelling anxiety. No clinical setting. Just Bernie and us, calm, content and at peace. The place he loved, with the people he loved. Peacefully and with dignity. 

It is still very raw and we are grieving terribly. But we know this was the best and kindest decision for our best and kindest friend. 

Thank you Mark. Your wisdom, experience and fair guidance will never be forgotten. You gave our boy peace in a way no other person could have. You were the only vet he ever liked.

Goodbye Bernie boy. We will miss you forever. 2010 - 2022 our protector, loyal and faithful love. 

Maybel and Lennox

I heard about Mark from my daughter's employer who had a cat that hates vet surgeries.

I was always certain that I would want Lennox at home when the time came. Mark paid us a visit to meet Lennox and to discuss how he thought Lennox was doing so that I could make the best informed decision about when to have him put to sleep.

When he came over he got straight down on the floor with Lennox who went straight to him and just leaned into him like an old friend. Mark has an aura of calm around him and it reassures all of the household. When the time came Mark reassured, explained everything and what to expect. Lennox never flinched and was so relaxed and it was the best send off we could have wished for my beautiful boy of 15 years 5mths. Lennox was taken by Mark to the pet crematorium and delivered his ashes and paw prints a few days later.We also had a card and forget me not seeds.

Thank you Mark
Rosemary Starkey

We recently had to call upon Mark once again for our Maybel's passing.

My gorgeous girl hadn't left my side since we lost Lennox 19mths previously but she went down hill so quickly. Mark came to our re

scue once again, he came straight over and took control and she passed quickly and peacefully at 15 yrs 5mths. Mark took a paw print for us as we decided to bury her ourselves. This man is an angel and we are so grateful to him and this unique service that he provides

Thank you Mark

Mr Wigglesworth

Life with Mr Wigglesworth was never dull, from disappearing down rabbit holes, chasing pheasants and joining a deer herd for 2.5 hours, he kept me on my toes. We had an amazing 15 years and 8 months worth of adventures and I have some brilliant memories of him and will miss him forever

We met Mark and his team in his final few weeks and as sad as losing him was, Mark and his team made it a lovely passing and I will be forever grateful for how caring they are all

Aidie

My little baby Aidie was with us for 15 years. She was a funny looking puppy but grew into her looks. She had the most gentle, beautiful nature.

She loved being outside in the sun or lying as close to the fire as possible. She had a toy bunny that she'd had from a puppy and whenever my son visited she used to go and fetch it. She loved spinach and carrots.

When the day finally arrived Mark came and was so thoughtful and caring. It made the ending as good as it could have been. I will miss her always.

Bailey

Our beautiful teddy bear Bailey. He loved cuddles and was such a loving and affectionate boy. He loved running in fields playing ball, splashing in the river and sleeping on the pouffe in front of our log fire.  He was permanently hungry and always under our feet but he made us laugh with his silly little ways.

Bailey had a tumour appear out of nowhere and at 13 1/2, old age had already started to settle in. Our priority was always to do what was best for Bailey and to ensure when he passed he went with the love and dignity he deserved. Mark came round to assess Bailey and talk us through the process and he made us feel so at ease, and we wasn’t afraid to ask what may have been silly questions.

I cannot thank Mark and the team enough for the support throughout. Bailey went peacefully at home on his pouffe with us both cuddling and kissing him every step of the way. We were able to send him away with letters, a rose and his favourite toy and when he came home from the crematorium the cards, seeds and paw print were just lovely touches and we felt that our boy had the best send off we could ask for.

We will love and miss you forever Bailey. Love Mumma, Daddy and your Brother Marley xxx

Maverick

Maverick.

Our lovely gently maverick.
He got to 17 years old, a real old gentleman.
He had a lovely life, eat, sleep and loved being outside especially when it was sunny.
A big thank you to mark, he was so kind and guided me through the whole process.
Maverick fell asleep forever on his favourite chair so peacefully.

Scampi

Scampi was such a special cat and we were so lucky to have him and love him for 19 years. I don't think he knew he was a cat, he never caught a bird or any other animal and he never damaged any carpets or furniture. He followed us everywhere and he was involved in everything we did at home from bath time, to board games and even sat with us at mealtimes. He was a vocal cat who would chat and meow constantly, our house feels so quiet and empty without him. When the children were born he became their best friend and he wanted to be with them all of the time. He knew when they were poorly and would always cuddle up to them and be a little less vocal with his meows. We will always miss him and he has left a huge hole in all of our hearts, he was such a special part of our family.

To be able to have him put to sleep so peacefully in his own home with all his family with him was so special. Mark was absolutely amazing throughout, he explained exactly what he was going to do and what would happen and he spent time with the children explaining the process to them so they understood what was happening at all times. What could have been a very traumatic experience for the children in what was their first experience of loss was actually very calm and very peaceful and a process the children were able to be there for and hold Scampi's paw as he calmly went to sleep for the last time. They have been able to process and deal with their grief as Mark kept them involved at all times and were able to be with Scampi until the end.

For this we are forever grateful and can't thank Mark enough. Scampi we will always love you and miss you

Oscar

Oscar, our handsome , gentle yet sometimes mischievous ‘Lassie’ collie had a wonderful long life, enjoying walks in the countryside around Empingham; latterly’pottering’ in the garden. He was 14 years old when we had to say goodbye to him.
However, if we hadn’t met Mark & Rebecca 3 years ago he would not have enjoyed his senior years as much as he did. He suffered from arthritis in his spine & we thought he hadn’t long to live. Mark suggested Canine Bowen Technique with Rebecca. After every monthly visit Oscar was much freer in his movement & clearly much more comfortable. Much to Rebecca’s amusement he always ‘told’ her exactly where he wanted to be & which part of his body needed attention!! A massive thank you to Rebecca for helping Oscar enjoy his senior years.
Eventually it became clear that he was no longer enjoying life , struggling with getting up etc. We can’t thank Mark enough for going beyond the call of duty, coming to our garden on a Saturday evening , where he,with the uttermost sensitivity, put Oscar to sleep. Our abiding memory is of Oscar finally at peace .

Emma

In September 2009, a puppy was born and she has chosen her family. She was so small she fitted into a cat cage on the ride to her new home. This little puppy becomes known as Emma. Throughout the years she runs away with our other dog Cookie at the time. Emma would sleep in my bed when I was sick or when she wanted a hug. Emma loved to eat Chinese pork balls when she was a puppy.

In 2019 Emma was diagnosed with cancer, the vet at the time stated she had 3 to 6 months to live. She proved us all wrong. Emma and her family moved to Ryhall, when in her new home, she made new games to play like ‘I am your shadow’ and ‘where you go I will go’ and her favourite game was to run and bark to the top gates of the driveway when other people were walking by.

Two half years ago Emma met her new friend Mark the vet, it was like love at first site for her. Mark given her 3 to 6 months to live but yet again she proved us all wrong. Emma turned out to be a miracle dog. The cancer was not stopping her.

Sadly on Saturday 18th June 2022, we had to say goodbye to Emma, she was only 12 years old.

As a family we would like to say a big thank you to Mark, in the caring way and with dignity and respect he has given her with every visit.

A dog choose their family.

Bella

Bella will be sadly missed by all family and friends. She was our baby girl from the day we got her. She was a very gentle and loving dog, often very aloof looking down her nose at other dogs she didn’t know. She was also a mucky dog looking for muddy puddles to walk through. In her younger days she liked agility. She wasn’t the fastest dog but was very careful and always got clear rounds.

Mark knew Bella from aged two and was the vet to diagnose her illness and prescribe the correct medication to ensure we could keep her for another ten years. Sadly Mark could not be there at the end but the vets he used were excellent. There was four of the family by her side until the end. He is the best vet we have ever known.

We would like to thank Mark, Rebecca and Shelley for all the help they provided near the end.

Lou Lou

Firstly, I want to thank you Mark so much for the very kind and gentle way you dealt with Lou Lou and all of us, at such an incredibly devastating time for us.

Lou Lou was 16 and a half, and believe me she enjoyed every single day. Lou Lou loved running around with her favourite orange squeaker, playing football, and running around with her old dog buddies Shadow and Jessy, before becoming an only dog in her older years. Lou Lou has always been a loving, gentle little soul, who spent most of her time sleeping in the middle on the bed, or on someones knee, Though sometimes her barking drove us all a little mad. Her favourite treat was a cuppa tea and biscuit and she had this at least twice a day

Lou Lou was loved beyond compare and will be dearly missed by all of us especially my mum and the kiddies. Lou Lou has been laid to rest in her own garden surrounded by trees, flowers and the birds where we can still see her from the kitchen window.

Once again I thank you very much xxx

Rachael Jackie and Bill

Selma

Another lovely tribute, this time from Selma's owners:

'We had to say goodbye to our lovely Selma in April, she was 14 years 6 months. We had 9 wonderful years with her and thank her previous owner so much for giving us the opportunity to have her in our lives. Selma was great at digging in the garden, never where you wanted the holes to be!!!! She was a great shredder of twigs as well. Selma thought anyone coming to the house, came to see her, out walking she would love having a fuss made of her, she was well known in our area, we didn't realise that until people would ask where she was. She made us smile, she gave us a reason to get out. Selma was such a great companion, and listener, never repeating anything you said . Selma is greatly missed by us both. Thank you Mark, Rebecca and Shelley for everything. Mark, thank you for the gentle way you had with Selma, it was lovely to be able to sit with her, talking to her, making a fuss of her as she went to her final sleep. It was so peaceful. We are lucky to have had you as her vet.'

We consider ourselves lucky to have been part of Selma's life.