It is with great pleasure that I write this recommendation for Clare Young, of the Pet Connection.    Clare has been walking Oscar for the past month.. I should clarify, the very fact that someone outside me and my immediate family is walking him is amazing in itself! Oscar is a dog with a LOT of issues. I found him, starved and abused on the streets nine years ago. Over time he learned to trust me and a select group of people but was always very fearful of unknown people. This fear caused him to be aggressive and he has both snapped and bitten on occasion. In addition, he will pick fights with other dogs, chase cats, cars, the list goes on! When my new job took me to Belfast I didn't know how I would manage with Oscar. My previous job allowed me come home at lunchtimes to walk him - and not only would my new job not allow that, but I would also be working 13 hour shift on occasion. I thought I would try a dog walker, and found Clare with an online search. I honestly didn't think it would work, but after two visits Oscar was jumping and dancing at the door when Clare arrived to walk him.. It's amazing! He has become so much more relaxed - he no longer waits by the front door for me with a worried expression, and another bonus is that, as he has already had his long walk of the day, he's too tired to want too long a walk when I come home tired from work! I would recommend Clare Young without hesitation. She has such a way with dogs - and if she can manage my little monster, she can manage any dog!   Celine Inderhaugceline@donegal.net	Oscar
To whom it may concern,  Clare Young has been walking my lunatic collie Geordie for around 10 months, twice a week. Since Claire has come into our lives Geordie is happier, calmer and better around other dogs. Clare is naturally confident with him and it is obvious that he absolutely loves her. When he comes home from his walks he is knackered and calm – everything I could ask for really. I trust Clare completely ,both with my dog, and with my house key, she is consistent, reliable enthusiastic and I would absolutely recommend her to anyone.   Tracey Smyth	Geordie
I have a 3 year old Golden Lab who I hate leaving in a conventional boarding kennel.  After alot of searching I found The Pet Connection website which was a refreshing change.  Clare was great.  She called to our house before we left Pancho with her so she could get to know him and his requirements.   Pancho stayed with Clare for two nights. There were three other dogs there during his stay which, meant he got to socialise with other dogs.  As he's from a one dog family I found this fantastic.  When I collected him he looked to be having a ball.  He slept the entire evening and most of the next day.  Which is always a sign he had a blast!  Pancho will definitely be staying with Clare again and I recommend Pet Connections to anyone who expects higher boarding standards than conventional kennels.  Yvonne Rochford	Pancho
My Labrador, Toby, is a bit of a character, knows what he likes, and knows what he dislikes.  First and foremost he’s not just a pet, he’s a family member - so whatever others might think he lives and sleeps in the house. I honestly believe that he has found previous stays in kennels to be traumatic. No matter how professional the care has been, being put in a cage and only let out a couple of times a day isn’t exactly what he is used to.  What better than Clare’s 5 star doggy hotel?  I will not embarrass Clare by saying where he sleeps when he is there.  The crucial part is that I have total peace of mind that he is being properly looked after (understatement).  The dash to Clare when Toby sees (or hears!) her out walking, and the greeting she gets from him, is testament to her love and respect for the animals she looks after.  My only doubt about recommending Clare is that I might have trouble booking Toby’s holidays in the future! Michael Brown	Toby
I found Clare and the Pet Connection around a year ago while searching for a service where I could leave my much-loved Collie, Cooper for a day while I was at work. On meeting Clare I knew I’d found the right person as her love for all things four-legged shone out and I felt instantly assured that my Cooper would be in safe hands. Initially the arrangement was meant to be for occasional Fridays when I needed a full day in the office however after seeing how much Cooper enjoyed his time with Clare and the others, it soon became a weekly arrangement, with Cooper becoming super-excited on Thursday nights at the mere mention of the words ‘Clare and Ellie’.These days, it’s Cooper’s love for Clare which shines out and he can’t seem to get close enough to her when he eventually sees her on a Friday! She really is his favourite human (after me of course!) and we’re both highly entertained at his behaviour when he sees her! If dogs can hug, I’m pretty sure Cooper is hugging Clare when he meets her at the door on a Friday morning!Clare has been brilliant and we’re so glad to have found her. She steps in at a moments notice if I need a help and Cooper has enjoyed holidaying at her house when we’re away. I trust her completely and know that her love for dogs will not only ensure that the dogs are safe but walked, stimulated, entertained and treated as part of her household. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Clare and have done many times. Anyone who needs some extra help to have their dogs walked or cared for, you can be assured that Clare will provide a professional, flexible and quality service. If you don’t believe me, come and see Cooper with Clare, he says it all better than I ever could! Lyndsay Truesdale	Cooper
I have known Clare since September 2008, when i got my dog, Poppy.  She has looked after her 3 days per week since then on a day care basis.  Clare collects Poppy every morning after I go to work and leaves her home every evening before I get home.  When I'm away on business she cares for Poppy in her own home and also calls to look after my cat at my house.  I have always found Clare to be a completely trustworthy and reliable person.   Because of her animal husbandry qualifications and sensible, caring attitude, I feel confident that no matter what situation arose, Clare would be able to deal with it.   Due to Clare's expert care, Poppy has grown up to be a happy and confident dog, so I have recommended her to many friends and associates and have no hesitation in recommending her to yourself.   Sheena Huey	Poppy
Hi i am dj's mum and let me say one thing about claires....... FUN! Dj has been going to claires from about 5 months, she is a bouncy, energetic labrador and she comes home from claires reluctantly! she has so much fun socializing with other dogs, the walks, the playing she sleeps for days!!She has free run of claires house which i dont even allow in my own! When the car door opens when we pull up at the house she is away like a shot and cant wait to get in that door. There has been an occasion when dj decided she didn't like claires washing on the line and pulled it off that was the first time she was there and also all of claires shoes were brought into her! she cried one night so ended up sleeping with claire in the bedroom . Hopefully she will quickly grow out of the puppy stage but claires just takes it all in her stride and her professionalism and patient is commendable. I have recommended her services to friends and work colleges and will continue to do so she is our life saver as kennels was never an option we go to weddings, family gatherings, weekends away, and holidays, knowing dj is having a fantastic time and she's having a holiday too puts our minds at rest jacqueline Taylor	Dj
I have known Clare now for about a year and have used her regularly to walk and day sit my dog JD, a lively 2yo Kerry Blue.  Of course at first I was nervous about getting a dog walker as I was not sure how JD would react and also having keys to my home.  After my first meeting with Clare my mind was put completely at rest, and I feel confident and happy when I am away knowing that JD will be exercised well and have the company of Clare and the other dogs.  I would be lost without Clare and would hate to have to put JD in kennels as he is very much a house dog and likes his home comforts.  Clare at Pet Connection was recommended to me, which I am so glad about.  I have no hesitation in recommending her to any person who needs their dog or any pet looked after, and JD would second that. Lynda	jd
Clare has been looking after Mattie since January 2008 and we are delighted to have eventually found someone who genuinely cares for Mattie as much as we do! Mattie being a beagle is a very energetic and mischievous little dog who often causes mayhem where ever she goes! Mattie loves company and going to Clare’s house means she has the opportunity to play with other dogs, gets lots of exercise and comes home so exhausted she lies in her bed and snores for the remainder of the evening!  Mattie goes to Clare’s house at least once a week and we are at ease knowing that she has been well cared for and given lots of TLC! We would hate to leave Mattie in a kennel and therefore the option of Mattie being able to stay over night in Clare’s is an added bonus. Although Mattie is still a young dog she has not had the best luck with her health.  At all times Clare has went above and beyond her role always continually looking out for Mattie’s welfare.  We have no hesitation in recommending Clare who is not only extremely thoughtful, reliable, trustworthy and professional but has been a real treasure to find! Fiona & Darren	Mattie
Reference for Clare Young and The Pet Connection. Clare displays a thorough concern for all animals and particularly for those in her care. Upon walking with her on her 'rounds' it is obvious that all the local dogs love her and obviously enjoy her attention, my own "Sasunnach" included! I heartily recommend her services as an animal walker, carer and citizen. She is known to go beyond the call of her duties to ensure that both animal and owners are happy. I am currently booking my dog for a weekend 'holiday' right now... Alex Grey Jones, Belfast	Sass
Clare has been looking after our Beagle pup Elvis since Sept 09. He visits three days a week, and often enjoys an “overnight” or “weekend stay” too!! Elvis loves going to see Clare, Megan and the other dogs, and actually cried one day when we mentioned their names!!     Daycare gives Elvis far more exercise than we could ever give him, and he has an absolute ball there- so much so, he sometimes doesn’t want to come home! He has made great chums and is now extremely sociable with other dogs, small or large, when we’re out and about.       Clare goes out of her way to care for Elvis and the other dogs, even taking great care of Elvis when he was very ill repeatedly recently. She loves each and every one of them and puts up with Elvis even when he is bold (quite often!!)She really is a Godsend, and we are so glad we found her, she’s now not only our doggysitter, but a very trustworthy friend.       I would have no hesitation in recommending Clare & Pet Connection- in fact I would urge you to let any dog go there- Elvis loves it, and she has made our lives so much easier. She will always try and fit Elvis in, even if she is on hers knees with exhaustion! Knowing that your dog is well loved & cared for, well exercised and socialised is an added bonus to the peaceful evenings you get when they are tired out!!!        As I am finishing writing this- Elvis is huffing with me! It’s Friday……He hasn’t seen Clare or Megan all day!!!  Lindsey & Ryan McKenna	Elvis
I wouldn't have a dog without Clare! My work commitments mean I work 12 hour shifts, so I wouldn't have got a dog if it would be on its own for that period of time.  Clare looks after my friend's dog and came highly recommended! I have now have a 6 month old Dachshund called Archie.  He has been going to Clare since he was just 12 weeks old, and is a very happy, well socialised little boy! I have always found Clare very trustworthy, reliable, flexible and (as a 1st-time dog owner), a good source of advice.  Archie comes back from daycare a very tired, content little dog.  I can't reccommend Pet Connection enough! Darryl Quigley	Archie
Bowski has been going to Doggy Day Care since the start of the year and it has helped him immensely. He was quite a scared puppy and wasn’t used to people at all. Having been socialised at Clares has made him a very loving and affectionate puppy. He clearly loves going to see Clare and his other furry friends and even huffs with us in the car when we take him home. We now only need to say he is going to Auntie Clares and he gets so excited and runs straight to the car to get in. I would thoroughly recommend Clare to anyone. She has a great passion for her job and is so upfront and honest. The most important thing for me is that my wee Bowski is happy and with someone I trust. He just adores Clare and I think that is the best indicator of how fantastic she is at what she does. Marie Wilson	Bowski