About Rob & Gracie

The person behind the name

Meet Rob

I've been around dogs my whole life. Not just my own, but the dogs of family and friends — spaniels, collies, German shepherds, greyhounds and Dobermans, among others. As an adult I've owned and co-owned a long-legged Staffy-type called Lou Lou, a Saarloos Wolfdog, and now Gracie — my Northern Inuit, who gives this business its name.

Dogs have always been a natural part of my world. I know how they think, how they communicate, and what they need to feel settled and happy. Not from a textbook, but from years of living alongside them — dealing with big breeds, working breeds, strong personalities and everything in between.

By day I work in horticulture, which suits me well. I love being outdoors. I hike, I camp, I'm interested in bushcraft, and I've spent a lot of time exploring the Wiltshire countryside that's right on my doorstep. The Pewsey Vale is stunning walking country, and one of the things I look forward to most about this work is taking dogs out into it properly — not just a circuit of the estate, but real countryside.

Why Gracie's Place

Gracie's Place grew from a pretty simple idea: there are a lot of local dog owners who want someone reliable, someone who actually loves dogs, and someone who will treat their animal as an individual rather than as a number. I wanted to offer that.

I've deliberately kept the capacity small. The maximum number of dogs at daycare at any one time is two, alongside Gracie. That isn't a limitation — it's the whole point. It means I actually know each dog. I know if they're a bit off, I know what unsettles them, I know how they like to rest. That level of attention isn't possible at scale.

Before I started, I completed dog first-aid training, got fully insured for walking and daycare, got a DBS check, and spent time learning from an established dog walker and daycare operator. I'm also currently working through further education in dog nutrition and training. I'm honest about where I'm at — I haven't spent years working commercially with dogs. What I have is genuine lifelong experience, a responsible approach and a real commitment to doing this right.

The free meet & greet

Every dog I take on goes through an initial meet & greet first — normally at a secure dog field. This is a relaxed meeting, not an assessment. I just need to get to know your dog, watch how they move and interact, and ask you about their history, habits, any medical considerations and what makes them tick. You can ask me anything too. It's a two-way conversation, and there's no obligation at the end of it.

If I think the service isn't the right fit for your dog, I'll tell you honestly. That's better for everyone — especially the dog.

About Gracie

Gracie is a Northern Inuit — a breed with ancestry involving Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd and Siberian Husky. She's intelligent, energetic and loyal, and she's very much the co-host of this business. Dogs who come to daycare get to share their day with her.

The name Gracie means something personal to me. There's a gentle meaning — angel, blessing, mercy — that I connect with the name. And as someone who practises Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I associate the name with the Gracie family and their role in developing the art. Both meanings feel right for her.

Safety & responsibility

I take safety seriously without making it the centrepiece of the pitch. Here's what's in place:

My philosophy

It's pretty simple. I treat dogs the way I'd want someone to treat Gracie if she were in their care. Attentive but not fussy. Consistent but not rigid. I take welfare seriously without being anxious about every little thing, because dogs respond to calm confidence, not constant worry.

If you're considering Gracie's Place for your dog, drop me a message. Let's have a conversation. The free meet & greet exists precisely so you can decide whether you're comfortable, not just whether I am.