Dog walker and sitter treats precious pets like members of the family

Animal lover Leanne Grundy has been walking dogs and running a successful boarding kennels for the past ten years.

She welcomes people’s pets into her home, looking after them as if they were members of her family.

And Leanne’s Doggy B&B has just taken our latest Best of 2024 title – Best for Pets.

Leanne Grundy and partner John Fitch-Holden

In April, we launched our Best of 2024 competition and we’ve given out 13 awards.

• Best for Hair - At Gems
• Best for Pies - Burchall's
• Best for Nails - Nails by Mandy
• Best for Roast Dinner - The Moss Bank
• Best for Cocktails - Cinema Bar
• Best for Breakfast - Shakey J's
• Best for Fish and Chips - The Nelson Chippery
• Best Beer Garden - Turks Head
• Best for Fitness – Ashley James Ward at Award Health and Fitness
• Best for Tattoos – White Rabbit Tattoo Studio
• Best Independent Shop or Business – Gavin’s Butchers
• Best for Dessert – The Brownie Shack
• Best for Kids – Jo Jingles Warrington, Wigan and St Helens

Voting for St Helens’ Best for Beauty is currently taking place and we’re also looking for nominations in our latest search - Best for Pizza.

Vote for St Helens’ Best for Beauty 2024

Nominate your favourite for St Helens’ Best for Pizza 2024

Ten perfect places for pets in St Helens made the shortlist for the latest Best of 2024 award and Leanne’s Doggy B&B has taken this year’s coveted crown.

Leanne Grundy grew up in St Helens and is a Thatto Heath girl.

She opened her business ten years ago in January 2014, first based in Norris Green before moving to Whiston in 2020.

Leanne's Doggy B&B opened ten years ago

Leanne, who is 41, said: “My business is run from home.

“When I started back in 2014, I offered dog walking for locals while my son was in school.

“I didn’t expect that, 10 years on, I’d be in the St Helens Star!

“I offer dog walking covering Knowsley and Liverpool and we are licenced with Knowsley Council for home boarding and daycare at my house.

“I mind up to four dogs at one time with our own pet pug Henry.

“We also do wedding chaperones, cat feeding and puppy visits as well as minding small animals like birds and hamsters - I’ve even minded a hedgehog before!”

Leanne started the business with lonely pets in mind – she wanted to help local people who had to go out to work by looking after their furry friends.

Leanne, who worked in retail for more than 15 years, said: “I myself had a dog, who I felt guilty leaving while I worked.

“I wanted to help people who worked for long days and had to leave their pets at home alone.

“I’ve always wanted to work with animals.

“I studied animal care at Newton College as I wanted to follow my dream of being a zookeeper.

“I don’t believe my business is better than anyone else’s.

“I believe we all do an amazing job and we are so lucky to get to work with dogs and other pets.

“It is definitely my dream job.

“My customers know that their pets are in a safe home environment rather than in kennels. “People now treat and spoil their pets as if they were their own children.

“I’m friendly, understanding and professional.

“Clients know from recommendations that they get an excellent service and their pets are treated as part of my family.”

Leanne treats all guests like members of the family

What do customers and clients think of Leanne’s Doggy B&B? Why did they want the business to win our latest Best of 2024 award?

One nomination said: “Leanne is amazing.

“First time leaving my pet while going on holiday for 10 days and I was so worried.

“But my worries were soon eased with updates and photos – he looked so happy!

“Knowing he was being well looked after made it easier to be away from him.”

When Leanne heard she’d made the top 10, she was happy and grateful to have made the shortlist.

Leanne said: “There was such a good selection of businesses that made it onto the shortlist, so I was happy to make the top 10.

“I couldn’t believe it when I heard I’d won.

“I’m so happy that all my hard work has been recognised.

“I’m forever grateful for all the support that everyone has given me over the past 10 years.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without my fantastic customers and their wonderful pets.”

Leanne takes dogs for a walk while their owners are at work