Meet The Team

As lifelong dog owners, we know that caring for dogs goes far beyond simply loving them. It’s about understanding their body language, recognising what they need, and making sure they always feel safe, secure, and content. This understanding comes from years of experience in dog ownership and handling — skills we bring into every aspect of our care.

We like to think of it as being able to “speak dog” — tuning into the little signs and signals that help us create the best possible experience for each guest. To make sure we’re always offering the highest standard of care, we’ve completed professional qualifications and continue to update our knowledge so your dogs receive the very best, every time they stay.

Dominic

Dom leads the day-to-day care, working closely with his wife Lucy to make sure every dog feels safe, happy, and thoroughly at home.

With over 20 years of experience caring for his own dogs, Dom brings a calm, respectful approach and a natural ability to understand canine behaviour. His work as a postman has given him the chance to build positive relationships with many local dogs, earning their trust through his gentle manner.

Dom is qualified in Professional Day Care and Boarding (Ofqual Level 3), alongside training in Canine First Aid, Predatory Motor Patterns and Behaviours, Dog Walker - Managing Multiple Dogs on Walks and Canine Body Language. He also loves creating enrichment activities to keep dogs stimulated and engaged, ensuring their stay is as enjoyable as it is comfortable.

Lucy

Lucy is at the heart of daily life at the hotel, offering the warmth, attention, and calm presence that helps dogs settle straight away. Having grown up with dogs from childhood — her mum bred Shelties — she has cared for her own pets since the age of five.

Lucy has a natural affinity with animals and often says, “Dogs are my people.” She has also completed training in Canine First Aid, Predatory Motor Patterns and Behaviours, and Canine Body Language. In addition to specific canine training she draws on her background and weekday job as a psychotherapist and experience in equine therapy to deepen her understanding of how animals communicate.

Passionate about learning, she continues to expand her canine knowledge through regular CPD.

Saffron

As Lucy and Dom’s daughter, Saffie has grown up surrounded by dogs and learned from an early age how to respect and care for them. Now an older teen, she adds a playful and affectionate touch to the homely atmosphere.

Saffie loves to play searching games in the garden, offer a stroking hand, or curl up with a dog on her lap to watch a film. While she won’t be responsible for independent care, her warmth and love of dogs are a big part of the family environment that makes The Wimborne Wag Hotel so special.

Buffy

Buffy is our playful six-year-old rescue from Macedonia — a friendly Lab cross with a big heart. She’s always ready to welcome new friends and loves nothing more than joining in a game of fetch or a searching/scent activity in the garden. When it comes to affection, Buffy is beautifully balanced: she won’t demand cuddles, but if a guest dog wants to snuggle up, she’ll happily oblige. Her favourite pastime is finding a sunny spot to stretch out and relax, making her the perfect mix of fun and calm companionship.

Minnie

Minnie is our six-year-old Chihuahua who joined us after being rehomed when her elderly owner became housebound. She settled into family life straight away and is now a much-loved member of our home.

Independent by nature, Minnie is always found in the best spots on the sofa or a human bed — her favourite cosy places to relax. She loves riverside walks where she can sniff out all the latest scents, and, true to her breed, her absolute favourite pastime is finding a warm lap (ideally with a fluffy blanket!) to snuggle into. Minnie also enjoys curling up with other dogs if they’re happy to share, making her a gentle and affectionate companion to new friends.

Before You Book

To make sure every stay is the right fit, we ask all new dogs and their owners to join us for a free Meet & Greet. This relaxed one-hour visit is a chance for you to enjoy a cup of tea while your dog explores, meets us and our own dogs, and gets a feel for the environment, while you complete some information forms with us.