The Oaksedge Team
Within the Oaksedge family we have 8 members of staff. Firstly we have our directors Abi and Craig who work endless hours ensuring all welfare needs are met on site day and night. As our front of house staff we have Melanie and Chloe who work hard to ensure all of our member's are taken care of and any queries are answered. Our Main doggy carers are Leah, Helen, Chloe and Albert who make sure all the pooches are happy and taken care of during their 5* stay. We also have Kenzy who works hard taking care of all the farm animals as part of Oaksedge Sanctuary. As a team we all pull together to ensure nothing is missed and all the dogs receive remarkable love and care. So here is what our staff have to say ...
Within the Oaksedge family we have 8 members of staff. Firstly we have our directors Abi and Craig who work endless hours ensuring all welfare needs are met on site day and night. As our front of house staff we have Melanie and Chloe who work hard to ensure all of our member's are taken care of and any queries are answered. Our Main doggy carers are Leah, Helen, Chloe and Albert who make sure all the pooches are happy and taken care of during their 5* stay. We also have Kenzy who works hard taking care of all the farm animals as part of Oaksedge Sanctuary. As a team we all pull together to ensure nothing is missed and all the dogs receive remarkable love and care. So here is what our staff have to say ...
CHLOE JINKS
I have worked with Abi and the Oaksedge team for around 8 years now. I am a 27-year-old Dog (and all-round animal) lover and have been since a very young age, for as long as I can remember really.
I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today, and every bit of success is for my little girl, Elsie and my beautiful dog Hope. I started with my own dog walking and pet sitting business back in 2019, took a short break to accomplish my Class 2 HGV license and maternity and now I am so glad to be back working in the most rewarding job there is.
Working for Abi and Craig allowed my business to expand and grow and now I fully work for Oaksedge working in the office and caring for the dog's and rescue animals where needed.I have currently completed my Dog walking/Pet sitting, Canine Communication, Veterinary Support Assistant ,Pet First Aid , photography, pet psychology, pet nutrition, pet physiotherapy and introductory dog trainer certificate diplomas as well as my emergency canine care course. I am now also listed as a qualified "Easy Peasy Puppy Instructor" after completing and passing the course with the one and only Steve Mann through the IMDT and I am working hard to complete my A Level accreditation in Learning, Motivation and Reinforcement towards being a dog training instructor. Oaksedge is a special place run by special people and we all come together to make sure the job gets done to the best standard for all the animals within our care. I couldn't see myself being anywhere else other than at Oaksedge. It's in my blood and you always feel you're making a difference to each life you come across which is golden! By making such a difference to the animals that live and board here makes it feel like you are doing good in the world. It doesn't get better than being in touch with nature as much as you are working here. It grounds you.
I have worked with Abi and the Oaksedge team for around 8 years now. I am a 27-year-old Dog (and all-round animal) lover and have been since a very young age, for as long as I can remember really.
I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today, and every bit of success is for my little girl, Elsie and my beautiful dog Hope. I started with my own dog walking and pet sitting business back in 2019, took a short break to accomplish my Class 2 HGV license and maternity and now I am so glad to be back working in the most rewarding job there is.
Working for Abi and Craig allowed my business to expand and grow and now I fully work for Oaksedge working in the office and caring for the dog's and rescue animals where needed.I have currently completed my Dog walking/Pet sitting, Canine Communication, Veterinary Support Assistant ,Pet First Aid , photography, pet psychology, pet nutrition, pet physiotherapy and introductory dog trainer certificate diplomas as well as my emergency canine care course. I am now also listed as a qualified "Easy Peasy Puppy Instructor" after completing and passing the course with the one and only Steve Mann through the IMDT and I am working hard to complete my A Level accreditation in Learning, Motivation and Reinforcement towards being a dog training instructor. Oaksedge is a special place run by special people and we all come together to make sure the job gets done to the best standard for all the animals within our care. I couldn't see myself being anywhere else other than at Oaksedge. It's in my blood and you always feel you're making a difference to each life you come across which is golden! By making such a difference to the animals that live and board here makes it feel like you are doing good in the world. It doesn't get better than being in touch with nature as much as you are working here. It grounds you.
LEAH ROBERTS
I love being out in the fresh air of the countryside and have been a massive animal lover from a very young age, it's all I lived for, from domestic animals like cats, rabbits, guinea pigs to wild animals and horses which I have worked with for many years.By far my biggest love of all is dogs, because of their individual personalities and for the love, loyalty and companionship they give you unconditionally.I have owned a variety of dogs over the past 30 years, I have loved them all and wouldn't be with out them, during those years I've had Staffies, Boxers and cross breeds and cannot imagine being without a dog of some sort.I have four dogs at the moment, Badger my Patterdale cross and three Boston Terriers Macy, Wilma and Martha.I am currently doing the kennel club good citizen dog scheme with my dogs. I have also done dog agility and dog showing. I also am pet first aid trained including brachycephalic specific breeds.I have worked with dogs at a boarding kennels for the last 16 years which has been the best job ever, this has given me experience with caring for all types of breeds and helped me become familiar with the various quirks and personalities of the breeds, looking after their day to day needs, along with feeding, exercise, medical issues and daily health care requirements of each dog in my care.
I love being out in the fresh air of the countryside and have been a massive animal lover from a very young age, it's all I lived for, from domestic animals like cats, rabbits, guinea pigs to wild animals and horses which I have worked with for many years.By far my biggest love of all is dogs, because of their individual personalities and for the love, loyalty and companionship they give you unconditionally.I have owned a variety of dogs over the past 30 years, I have loved them all and wouldn't be with out them, during those years I've had Staffies, Boxers and cross breeds and cannot imagine being without a dog of some sort.I have four dogs at the moment, Badger my Patterdale cross and three Boston Terriers Macy, Wilma and Martha.I am currently doing the kennel club good citizen dog scheme with my dogs. I have also done dog agility and dog showing. I also am pet first aid trained including brachycephalic specific breeds.I have worked with dogs at a boarding kennels for the last 16 years which has been the best job ever, this has given me experience with caring for all types of breeds and helped me become familiar with the various quirks and personalities of the breeds, looking after their day to day needs, along with feeding, exercise, medical issues and daily health care requirements of each dog in my care.
HELEN BUCKLAND
I Joined Abi and the team at Oaksedge Farm Dog Hotel 4 years ago after a total career change.
Previously I was a Cardiology and Endoscopy Nurse for 40 years at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. The Covid pandemic and nursing through it totally changed my outlook on life so I took early retirement enabling me to fulfil my dream of working with dogs. For me Oaksedge is my therapy and me time with the dogs. There’s nothing better than lots of cuddles and licks sat looking at the views of Riber Castle.
I have been involved with dogs for many years working with owners and missing dogs and have been part of the Dog SOS Derbyshire team for the past 8 years. This has given me an insight into a dog's behaviour and how they’re feeling. It has enabled me to recognise every dog is different and working with them to gain their trust.MAway from Oaksedge I’m happily married for 38 years with 2 grown up daughters and 4 grandchildren (that’s why I need to escape lol).
I’ve never been busier since I retired and am so happy to have my dream job with a great boss and amazing team🥰
I Joined Abi and the team at Oaksedge Farm Dog Hotel 4 years ago after a total career change.
Previously I was a Cardiology and Endoscopy Nurse for 40 years at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. The Covid pandemic and nursing through it totally changed my outlook on life so I took early retirement enabling me to fulfil my dream of working with dogs. For me Oaksedge is my therapy and me time with the dogs. There’s nothing better than lots of cuddles and licks sat looking at the views of Riber Castle.
I have been involved with dogs for many years working with owners and missing dogs and have been part of the Dog SOS Derbyshire team for the past 8 years. This has given me an insight into a dog's behaviour and how they’re feeling. It has enabled me to recognise every dog is different and working with them to gain their trust.MAway from Oaksedge I’m happily married for 38 years with 2 grown up daughters and 4 grandchildren (that’s why I need to escape lol).
I’ve never been busier since I retired and am so happy to have my dream job with a great boss and amazing team🥰
MELANIE SUPPERSTEIN
I first met Abi in 2008 when out three year old Border Terrier, Billy went to stay in her home in Bonsall. He absolutely loved it, wagging so much, he couldn't wait to see her and get inside. As time passed, Billy then became a regular at Oaksedge. He was always so pleased to see Abi, Craig and Hattie. The kindness and care Billy always received meant so much. It was always reassuring to know he was safe and happy. It really meant the world to us. After thirty one years of teaching in primary schools, I decided to seek a different path. Caring for my dad during the covid lockdowns seemed to encourage this. I began to help local people with their gardens and this often included walking their dogs. I attended a dog first aid certified course in Matlock to help me with this side of the work. A luck would have it, the Oaksedge team were there and I was offered the chance to join in 2022. I grew up loving dogs and animals as they were always part of the family so this was a dream come true. Working at Oaksedge, I can sometimes be found in the office, walking Oscar and Roxanne with Hattie, digging in the garden or even feeding spinach to the budgies. Every day is different. Working alongside Abi and Hattie has given me a much wider appreciation of nature and respect for all living creatures. (I even put weeds in an area so the insects can safely rehome now!).It is a joy to be a part of the Oaksedge Dog Hotel and Sanctuary team and always leave feeling very lucky. I work in a very special place x
I first met Abi in 2008 when out three year old Border Terrier, Billy went to stay in her home in Bonsall. He absolutely loved it, wagging so much, he couldn't wait to see her and get inside. As time passed, Billy then became a regular at Oaksedge. He was always so pleased to see Abi, Craig and Hattie. The kindness and care Billy always received meant so much. It was always reassuring to know he was safe and happy. It really meant the world to us. After thirty one years of teaching in primary schools, I decided to seek a different path. Caring for my dad during the covid lockdowns seemed to encourage this. I began to help local people with their gardens and this often included walking their dogs. I attended a dog first aid certified course in Matlock to help me with this side of the work. A luck would have it, the Oaksedge team were there and I was offered the chance to join in 2022. I grew up loving dogs and animals as they were always part of the family so this was a dream come true. Working at Oaksedge, I can sometimes be found in the office, walking Oscar and Roxanne with Hattie, digging in the garden or even feeding spinach to the budgies. Every day is different. Working alongside Abi and Hattie has given me a much wider appreciation of nature and respect for all living creatures. (I even put weeds in an area so the insects can safely rehome now!).It is a joy to be a part of the Oaksedge Dog Hotel and Sanctuary team and always leave feeling very lucky. I work in a very special place x
KENZY TAWFIK
I first joined Oaksedge in February 2026 when I was looking for a placement to complete a week of work experience as part of my Level 3 Equine Management course. Having ridden horses since I was two years old my passion for horses led me to study equine management, but throughout my two-year course I realised that my future wasn’t limited to working with horses alone—I wanted a career working with animals. With this in mind, I contacted Abi to ask whether I could complete my work experience placement at Oaksedge. From the first day, I knew I had found something special. Abi and Chloe made me feel incredibly welcome, and I quickly fell in love with the animals, each of whom has their own unique personality.During my placement, I had the opportunity to help care for the wide variety of animals, as well as assisting with the dog boarding and hotel services. I was amazed by the level of care, dedication, and passion that goes into everything at Oaksedge. This experience confirmed that working with animals was exactly what I wanted to do.At the end of my placement, Abi and Craig kindly offered me a job, and I was over the moon and accepted. My role is primarily focused on animal care, although I also help with the dogs whenever needed. Since joining the team, my knowledge and understanding of animal care have continued to grow every day.Working alongside Abi has also given me a greater appreciation for nature, conservation, and the importance of making positive changes for the environment. I am incredibly grateful to everyone at Oaksedge for making me feel part of the team from day one. The support, kindness, and opportunities I have been given here mean so much to me, and I will always cherish being part of the Oaksedge family.
I first joined Oaksedge in February 2026 when I was looking for a placement to complete a week of work experience as part of my Level 3 Equine Management course. Having ridden horses since I was two years old my passion for horses led me to study equine management, but throughout my two-year course I realised that my future wasn’t limited to working with horses alone—I wanted a career working with animals. With this in mind, I contacted Abi to ask whether I could complete my work experience placement at Oaksedge. From the first day, I knew I had found something special. Abi and Chloe made me feel incredibly welcome, and I quickly fell in love with the animals, each of whom has their own unique personality.During my placement, I had the opportunity to help care for the wide variety of animals, as well as assisting with the dog boarding and hotel services. I was amazed by the level of care, dedication, and passion that goes into everything at Oaksedge. This experience confirmed that working with animals was exactly what I wanted to do.At the end of my placement, Abi and Craig kindly offered me a job, and I was over the moon and accepted. My role is primarily focused on animal care, although I also help with the dogs whenever needed. Since joining the team, my knowledge and understanding of animal care have continued to grow every day.Working alongside Abi has also given me a greater appreciation for nature, conservation, and the importance of making positive changes for the environment. I am incredibly grateful to everyone at Oaksedge for making me feel part of the team from day one. The support, kindness, and opportunities I have been given here mean so much to me, and I will always cherish being part of the Oaksedge family.