Meet The Team

Maxine

Owner & Founder

Rosie’s Retreat was founded out of a deep love for dogs and a desire to create a safe, nurturing, and luxurious environment for them.

After noticing a lack of personalised, high-quality care options for dogs in a kennel environment, I was inspired to create a space where pets could feel at home while receiving the best care possible by passionate highly qualified staff.

Named after my much-loved dog Rosie who was my shadow for 18 years, we lost her November 2023. The Retreat focuses on providing a comforting and fun experience for dogs, ensuring they are happy and content whilst staying with us.

I also own Royal Hounds Dog park and Royal Hounds Dog Services, the park offering a secure open space for dogs to run free safely. The dog services offer a professional dog walking service, and in your own home sitting services. I’m always driven by happy clients and always looking to improve where I can.

I am Pet First Aid Qualified to level 3, I have a Ofqual level 3 in Dog Welfare, Management and Behaviour.

Becca

Manager

Hi, my name is Becca, I am a first-class BSc (Hons) Animal Science graduate specialising in canine behaviour.

At university I structured two research projects which observed certain behaviour displays in dogs. Working with animals has forever been my dream but I have a strong emotional connection to man’s best friend.

With a range of experience including working on a farm, owning dogs for most of my life, or being a canine carer at the Dog’s Trust, I am confident in my ability to provide an excellent and enriching service to the dogs. I qualified with a Level 2 (VTQ) in Pet First Aid and have plans to study an advanced Canine Behaviour diploma.

I have spent time travelling, notably in South Africa and Sri Lanka where I got to see wildlife at its finest and get up-close to the Big 5.

I love spending time in nature especially in forests or at the beach so walking the dogs is one of my favourite times of the day. With Molly, Alex, and the rest of the team, I believe we can achieve our mission to recreate an environment that makes your fur-babies feel right at home by addressing their specific needs.

Aaron

Assistant Manager

I am really excited to be the newest member of the team here at Rosie’s Retreat. As Assistant Manager, I am focused on maintaining and driving the highest standards of care and welfare for all the dogs who spend time with us and ensuring a luxury experience! I hold a Level 3 qualification in Professional Day Care and Boarding, as well as a Level 3 certification from the IMDT in Learning, Motivation, and Reinforcement.

Before joining Rosie’s, I spent several years fostering and rehabilitating dogs, which gave me valuable experience in understanding different behaviours and building trust with dogs of all backgrounds. I have trained a wide range of dogs over the years and love seeing the progress they make with patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency.

At home, I have a bouncy Cocker Spaniel puppy named Paddy who keeps me busy and entertained- he is full of energy and always up for an adventure! I am passionate about creating a safe, enriching environment where every dog can thrive, and I am looking forward to getting to know all our regulars (and their humans) better.

Beth

Kennel Assistant

Hi! My name is Beth and I'm currently at uni student studying Veterinary Physiotherapy. I work at Rosie's Retreat when I am home from uni in the holidays ready for busier periods!

I have a level 3 qualification in Emergency Canine First aid as well has having lots of experience both working with and caring for our furry friends! Between looking after my horses and my own dogs, there is nothing I love more than spending all day everyday outside with animals, which is why I feel so lucky to be a part of the Rosie's Retreat team.

Laura

Kennel Assistant

Hi, my name is Laura. I retired 3 years ago from a 38-year career in mental health nursing, where I qualified with an MSc in Mental Health Studies and post grad in nurse teaching.

Since retirement I retrained as a Funeral Celebrant but also followed my passion in being with animals. My interest in animal welfare first led me to volunteer at RSPCA Thanet and 18 months ago I started working for Royal Hounds dog services as a dog sitter. My years of owning dogs and cats and a love of animals, means that I understand how important it is for owners to have somebody who cares for their dog the same way they would.

In the last year I started with Royal Hounds as a dog walker and absolutely love my time with the dogs I meet. Recently now taking on shifts at Rosies Retreat means I work with Maxine across various areas of caring for dogs. I am passionate about ensuring each dog in my care is well looked after and loved.

I am a qualified Pet First Aider. Having spent my life as a professional caring for people, I am now really happy to give the same professional commitment to Rosies Retreat and all dogs in my care. 

In addition, for caring for dogs, I also combine my skills by offering a personalised service, if the unthinkable happens and you lose your beloved dog. As a Celebrant I can offer you the opportunity to have a reading or tribute if you choose to bury your dog or scatter their ashes.  You can contact me directly to discuss this service.

Amy

Kennel Hand

Hi, my name is Amy, and I'm excited to be a new member of the Rosie's Retreat team.

I'm passionate about animal welfare, which is why I volunteer at the RSPCA every week and also do dog walking for Maxine with Royal Hounds. Currently, I'm working toward my Level 3 Canine Care, Behaviour, and Welfare qualification, and I'm eager to continue learning and growing in this field.

I look forward to bringing my skills and dedication to the team at Rosie's Retreat!

Lauren

Volunteer

My name is Lauren and I am currently at college, studying Animal management Level 3.

As part of passing my course I had to complete 300 hours work placement which I was given the amazing opportunity to do it at Rosie’s Retreat. Once I completed my hours, I was then given the opportunity to carry on at Rosie’s Retreat as a volunteer, which of course I accepted!

I love being around the dogs and making sure their 5 welfare needs are being met daily.

I have already achieved a level 2 qualification in animal care and already have experience with caring and looking after dogs at my college. I have 2 rabbits of my own which I love caring for. 

I feel so lucky being part of the Rosie’s Retreat team and hopefully get to meet you and your furry friends.

Shenda

Office Admin

I'm Shenda a new but old member of the team. Here from the beginning but wishing for a change in career brought me further into Rosie's.

I have worked for Maxine for 2 years now with a well established client based dog sitting. Its great to be part of the team and I really enjoy my new role looking after your fur babies.