Our Story

Welcome to Barks and Whiskers Pet Boutique!

My partner and I share/give our home and wallets to a beautiful Cocker Spaniel Milly, now 8 years old and two cats Oscar & Benny. By no means, our first pets but undoubtedly the ones that have given us the most experience in pet care. Milly came into our lives at 8 weeks old, her mum had passed away having an unborn pup left inside her and even at that stage was a very shy little girl who sat with her nose against the wall trying to hide. Two days in Milly developed a cough, after numerous vet visits and treatments a Gastroscopy finally revealed she was  suffering from Aspirated Pneumonia caused by being hand reared and the milk going into her lungs rather than her stomach. She was a very poorly little girl. For the first six months of her life she was unable to go outside, missing the important socialisation period every pup needs. She became naturally frightened of the vets and associated travel with her treatment. Once she was allowed out had a lot of fears and obstacles to overcome. As a result of her condition her lungs were scarred which impacted her heart. Unfortunately, Milly’s health conditions did not end there, she was diagnosed with Arthritis in her front wrists at an early age and suffers with allergies associated with nerves. Our lives revolve around her needs, it has taken years to fully understand how life works best for Milly but think we can safely say we are on a level ground with her and she lives a very comfortable and happy life.

Now the cats, Oscar and Benny are blood brothers, whilst they have occassions when they irritate each other they are very close. They both love their home comforts and chose to stay inside most of the time, if they do go out they are never far away! They are beautiful natured boys who love attention. Oscar is the one that is always in the wrong place at the wrong time. At a young age we almost lost him as he suffered a urinary blockage. Due to this he is on a strict diet so we can keep his ph levels balanced.  They have been in our lives since they were tiny kittens. We only ever intended to have one cat but when we saw them didn’t have the heart to separate them. Now at almost 13 years live the life of riley! 

Wanting to start my own retail business, it is easy to see why I chose pet supplies, meaning I can combine work with spending even more time with my pets. No doubt you will be seeing a lot more of them!

My aim for Barks and Whiskers is to supply high quality accessories that make dogs & cats feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside. I am  delighted to be in a position to offer a personal service to all of my customers and hopefully see them returning time and time again.  

Tribute to Benny

It breaks our hearts to announce that just before Barks and Whiskers was launched Benny passed away, after a very short and unexpected illness. He truly was a gentleman amongst cats who has left a permanent paw print on our hearts. We have so many happy memories, we only wish we could make more. Rest in peace beautiful boy!