My ageing Labrador Jasper doesn’t generally like to be left anywhere other than his own home. He has hip displasia and as he gets older it has become more painful and he’s more anxious. I thought my days of being able to board him out while I go away we’re coming to an end, but a conversion with Carrie and Ian from Barking Mad reassured me.

He duly spent six days with hosts he’s visited before and, by all accounts, had a great time. He was certainly very cheerful when he came home.

Emboldened and encouraged, I’m planning my next trip. Just don’t tell the dog. Yet.

Date of experience: 19 October 2018