A trampoline, a sandpit, a hay barn, an obstacle course, a sensory garden, and climbing course, the perfect family day out, but this park is for your dogs, not your kids. For a lot of us, our dogs are the centre of our worlds, and we treat them the same way we do our children.
Cathy King, a proud dog owner, spotted this gap in the market when she was wondering where she could take her beloved pointer, Hathaway, to run safely run off the lead and enjoy himself. Cathy, who is originally from Cwmbran, spent the last 30 years of her life travelling around the world working.
After a stint working in the corporate world in Madrid and New Zealand, she and her son Jesse Rendell decided it was time to return back to their south Wales home for a new chapter in their lives. It was then that 58-year-old Cathy was given the devastating diagnosis of cancer.
READ MORE: Morrisons supermarket is offering free meals to anyone who wants them in its cafés
"We came home and I worked as a consultant for about a year before I was diagnosed with breast cancer. And for any woman, that's a horror diagnosis, you hear that and that's it.," said Cathy.
After a year of treatment, Cathy overcame the disease, and it gave her the motivation to finally start something new, a dream passion project, a doggy play park. Cathy said: "We were very lucky to buy a run down farm and I thought I am going to open a dog park. and I had in my mind, a children's adventure play park but for dogs.
"I had never been to a secure field with my dog. I had no idea what they were like but I just thought where can I take my dog where he can run around safely."
Lockdown delayed the plan for a year but the park, named Cwtch Animal Homestay, finally opened in Little Cwrt Bach Farm in Henllys in October 2021, and a year later has expanded to include a dog sensory garden. Cathy said a lot of people don't know that dogs are colour blind and can only really see blue, yellow and grey.
"We opened the sensory garden in around May, so all the climbing frames and dog toys and tunnels are painted in yellow and blue. We also have about 20 different shrubs that dogs are attracted to, like lavender is good for dogs who are nervous and anxious," added Cathy.
The sensory garden also boasts a picnic area by a stream where the dogs can go for a swim. The place has become so popular among dog owners that they have started hosting dog birthday parties.
"I didn't expect them to be so popular but since May we have hosted about 50 dog birthday parties. Its just where owners can come with their dogs, invite their family and friends and their dogs too, and we put up birthday decorations and make dog cakes. They love it."
The fun doesn't stop there, launching in October last year gave Cathy the idea to set up a spooky Halloween area. She said customers were visiting the park and coming back soon after with their dogs dressed in costumes in order to enter the costume competition.
Since then they hosted a Santa grotto, an Easter event and are running another Halloween costume contest. Cathy and her son Jesse also have plans for a dog boutique hotel. The hotel will likely open in August 2023, and will be like a home away from home for up to 12 dogs.
"We have designed it all so when they come into reception with their owners it is like a farm yard kitchen. Then to the left of that we are going to have like a living area with a log burner and TVs for them to watch in the afternoons.
"The kennels that we have are going to be the maximum size that you can get, so it doesn't matter the size on the dog they will have a space as big as a great Dane, as an example. We want it to be exactly like a luxury boutique hotel that you would expect for yourself."
The hotel will also have a pool and a spa area for the dogs to enjoy. Cathy said the decision to offer boarding for dogs was requested by their customers who know and love the owners so much.
READ NEXT:
Disney on Ice arena show is returning to Cardiff after four-year break
Mum explains how she feeds family of four for £10 a week
Iceland launch Galazy chocolate wreath, giant Mars bar and Twix caramel tart for Christmas this year
Where children can eat for free this October half term and the places offering big discounts
