BLOWING expectations out of the water, a local woman is celebrating a highly successful first year in business.

Carrie Jarvis performed well above target as she reached the first anniversary of running the Newcastle and Tyne Valley branch of Barking Mad, the driven businesswoman making the dog holiday service a big hit in the local area.

Her business offers an alternative to kennels when owners go on holiday, sending dogs on a vacation of sorts of its own by matching them up with hosts wishing to have a dog for a brief term.

And the first 12 months has gone exceptionally well for Carrie as she has arranged 198 dog holidays for 93 dogs, recruiting 20 hosts in the local area.

But she plans to build the empire by recruiting more families to play host and cater for growing demand.

She said: “For dog lovers who can’t make the commitment to full time ownership, this is a great option.

“We also have hosts with up to two friendly, tolerant dogs of their own who simply love having more dogs in their lives.

“Up and down the Tyne Valley, our hosts tell us how much they enjoy the companionship of their doggy guests. It’s also a great way to get more exercise and it’s sociable too, as dog walkers are such a friendly bunch.”

To ensure people’s pets are being matched up to the right hosts, Carrie meets the owners with their dogs for an in-depth interview and then picks a suitable family to send it to who will ticks all the right boxes.

“We want the dog to have as good a holiday as its owners, and the business has really taken off as people realise what a lovely time their pooches can have with Barking Mad.”

One client is Stamfordham resident Emma Nicholson who baked Carrie a cake to mark the first birthday and to say thanks for the service provided to her and her dog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rex.

Emma said: “Rex has been away five times with host families who love big dogs and who also know just how to look after him now he is getting on a bit.

“Carrie texts and sends photos when Rex is on holiday so I can relax knowing what a great time he’s having.”

Barking Mad can be contacted on (0191) 414 7264 or via the website www.barkingmad.uk.com