An award-winning dog boarding kennels on the outskirts of Ochiltree has once again been nominated for a prestigious award...and they need your votes to win.
Hilltop Boarding Kennels is up for the 'Kennels of the Year' regional prize for East Lothian, North and East Ayrshire and the Scottish Borders, at the Local Pet Awards.
The family-run business, which was set up around five years ago, won the same prize in 2023 and has high hopes of retaining its crown this time.
Owner Pamela Weir said that being nominated again this year after success last year was something she couldn't have dreamed about.
Pamela said: "We were a bit overwhelmed about winning it last year, so to be put forward for it again this year is amazing.
"This has been the busiest start to a year we've had, but we've not let that have an effect on the standard of service we provide.
"It's great to know that our customers are so pleased with what we offer that they've put us forward for this award again.
"I think I know who has put us forward, so I want to say a big thank you to them and a big thank you to those who voted for us last year.
"Hopefully they can do the same this year."
The business is still being run by Pamela and her daughter, Natalie, who she says has been an excellent help in achieving all they have done.
Pamela previously worked as a veterinary nurse before deciding to branch out into running her own boarding kennels business.
She feels it's the personal touches she can provide to the care of the dogs that makes all the difference.
Pamela added: "We've had some upgrades done to the kennels now as well, so we've got a full central heating system in place.
"When it gets to our peak times we're having to send away some business because we're fully booked.
"But I don't want us to be taking on too much and then we can't provide as much personal care.
"There's a lady that brings her Labradors into me; one of the dogs is a diabetic, so I give them insulin daily. I think people really trust us in that way."
Hilltop Boarding Kennels has been nominated along with three other kennels: K9 Country Club and Spa in Saltcoats, Happy Hounds in Selkirk, and Woodside Boarding Kennels in North Berwick.
Voting is now open and the winner will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on Saturday, April 20.
You can vote for Hilltop online, or find more information on the Hilltop Boarding Kennels Facebook page.
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