We moved to Riverside on the 18th  September 2017, having taken on the business from the previous owners who had run Riverside for the past 30 years.

 

We both love dogs and cats and enjoy that the kennels and cattery is now our daily work.

 

Maria is a Registered Veterinary Nurse with a certificate in Emergency Medicine and has been working as a Veterinary Nurse since 1992.  Maria still works some days locally as a locum Veterinary Nurse to keep her knowledge and skills up to date. 

 

Prior to working as a Veterinary Nurse Maria worked in a boarding, breeding and rescue centre in South Devon.  She became the Manager there and it was having this contact with animals that lead her into Veterinary Nursing.  For the later part  of her career Maria was Head Veterinary Nurse for the PDSA, Plymouth for 13 years.  In her spare time Maria enjoys making lampwork beads and jewellery.

 

Aidan has previously come from a hospitality and financial background although he now prefers to be outdoors working and playing with the animals. He enjoys meeting and greeting our new arrivals as well as the running of the kennels with Maria.  In his spare time Aidan enjoys volunteering at the South Devon Railway and Lynton and Barnstaple Railway.  Aidan also enjoys a spot of engineering and riding his motorbike.

 

Together we hope we have the right combination to make Riverside a warm and welcoming place for your pets to stay.  

I have worked in boarding kennels since 1991 and at Riverside since 1992.  In September 1995 I studied towards my NVQ in small animal care which I achieved in September 1996.

 

I enjoy all aspects of my job, whether its working with the dogs, the cats, animal husbandry or other tasks such as gardening or just being outdoors; the list is long!

 

If I was put on the spot and asked what is my favourite part of the job role it would be meeting new customers and their dogs, assessing their behaviours and how I could make them feel settled and enjoy their holidays at Riverside as well as having that connection with them on their return visits.

 

I also enjoy working with cats although they have different requirements to our dogs.  One of the key requirements is making them feel safe and secure.

 

For my role as Manager I ensure the Cattery and Kennels are running smoothly, all accommodation is ready for our new arrivals and at meal times they have the correct diet for the right pet, especially if they are on medication.  I also train our staff to ensure our standards are kept high.

 

Since  Aidan and Maria took on Riverside  I am learning new skills which will enhance my role further.

 

In  my spare time I do enjoy going on holiday in our caravan, I love the freedom it gives as well as relaxing and enjoying the surroundings where ever we are.  I also enjoy spending time with my family and socialising with friends.  When I want to relax I will turn to a good book or my cross stitch.

I live in Hatherleigh with my husband and our two teenage sons. We moved here from Sussex in 2017. 

 

We have always enjoyed spending time outside (cycling, sailing, canoeing and walking) so exploring the countryside here is high on our agenda.  I also have a passion for nature photography so I'm often out and about with my camera.

 

I joined Riverside in 2018. Working with animals is new to me and I absolutely love it. Having an active, outdoor role in such a beautiful location is a joy.  

 

I enjoy the variety that my job gives me; every day is different. I particularly enjoy meeting new dogs and their owners, as well as seeing our regulars and building a bond with them. Seeing new dogs or cats settle in during their first stay with us is very rewarding. 

 

Casey our English Pointer first boarded at Riverside before I started my position here. As new customers, we were impressed with the care and attention she received.  She is always happy to stay here and we are confident, knowing the level of care she receives. She is our baby, after all!

I started working at Riverside in March 2023 although I used to work here previously when I was a teenager and still at school.

 

I love working with dogs and the relationships I form with them.  They all have their own very unique characters.  The most rewarding part of my job is watching the dogs settle and enjoy their stay with us.  Sadly, I have an allergy to cats so I am limited to what I can do in the cattery.

 

I have a very active social life and live at home with my Mum, Dad and my baby brother, Chester the Cairn Terrier; Chester is my world! He is well known in Hatherleigh and is quite famous but not always for the right reasons!!

 

Working with Aidan, Maria and the team is a privilege, they are like extended family to me.  I feel very grateful to have a job that I enjoy, where I look forward to getting up in the morning and seeing our boarders waggy tails and hearing their happy barks.