It’s proving a hit with owners and their four-legged friends alike.

For cuddles, love and lots of personal attention for the pooch in your life then look no further than Gaia Musotti’s new home boarding and day club business.

The life-long dog lover and owner launched Rusty’s Dog Club & Hotel – named after her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – in May.

Her business in Bearwood has since received a succession of five-star reviews from satisfied owners.

They include:

• “This was our first use of Gaia’s service. Ned is a naturally nervous dog, but he couldn’t have been in safer hands. She makes you smile with her love of dogs.”
• “I can’t recommend Gaia’s service enough. My one-year-old cocker spaniel stayed for five nights and days. I received loads of photos and updates and it was a home away from home.”
• “Our Jack Russell had an amazing two days there with lots of dog play, cuddles and walks. It’s so comforting to leave your furry baby at a place where he will be treated as their own dog.”

Gaia studied for a dog boarding qualification before being licensed by BCP Council to home board up to five dogs and also provide a day care service.

She was still working full-time in a senior role for a global technology marketing and sales agency until last month.

Gaia, 26, said: “I’ve always loved animals and especially dogs.

“I was literally crying with happiness when I was awarded four stars by the council.

“I was getting enquiries the moment the website went live.

“My phone didn’t stop ringing but I was still working full-time.

“It was up to 15 enquiries a day and I got fully booked within three weeks.

“I offer home from home boarding.

“The priority is the dogs.

“If the owner goes away then their dog has to have a holiday, too.

“I want them to have the facilities, the environment and be as comfortable as possible to enjoy the time with us.”

As quite literally the top dog, Rusty, who’s three this November, meets all prospective boarders before anything is booked.

Gaia, who was born in Italy and moved to the UK at the age of 17, said: “I get the owners to come with their dog and we do a 25 minute to half-hour initial meeting with Rusty.

“At the end of the day Rusty has to get on with them.

“I tend look after small to medium-sized dogs and no more than four at any one time, including Rusty.

“It’s less than my licence but means I can give them plenty of time, love and care.

“The most difficult part of the business is to make sure you match the right breed to each other.

“I tend to choose breeds I know will get on with everyone.

“There are some dogs and specific breeds that you can put in any environment and they will play and just forget about the owners when they close the door.

“If they’re anxious, then I cuddle and play with them to get the relationship and connection.”

Some boarders can stay up to 18 days but the typical length is between a week and ten days.

Sleeping arrangements include two hard-floored upstairs rooms, one mainly used for dogs, but, said Gaia: “Wherever they want to sleep upstairs we leave the door open.”

The garden of Gaia’s home is equipped with exercise runs and even a paddle pool for four-legged guests.

Mornings are dedicated to walks including nearby Canford Heath, two dog parks and – as a special treat – Canford Park SANG (Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace).

Charges range from £40 a day for overnight home boarding and £30 for day care (£20 for four hours).

Gaia is engaged to Rich Washington, Director and Co-Founder of Bolt Talent.

She’s just taken up a part-time position as Marketing and Sales Operations lead with the business.

Rich, who also recruited Gaia in her previous company, said: “She’s always been a person who is ridiculously driven and relentless in terms of the way she makes things happen.

“Gaia doesn’t sit on things for a second and she’s always loved dogs.

“To make that leap at 26 and to get her qualification while working full-time is amazing.”

Gaia, who described Rich as her “rock”, said she was surprised at how quickly Rusty’s Dog Club & Hotel had taken off.

She added: “It’s made me so happy seeing my dog parents so happy.

“They come to pick up their dogs and sometimes I get flowers and chocolates.

“You’re looking after their baby.

“It’s true they’re dogs – and some people don’t recognise them as a baby – but they are to people who really love a dog.

“For me, I treat Rusty like I would treat my baby one day.

“That’s why home from home dog boarding is so different from a kennel.”

• rustysdoghotel.com