About Us 

The three senior members of the team each have between 20 and 30 years experience in kennel management and animal care ensuring the highest possible standards are maintained.  They also have real empathy with and interest in their guests and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge which means you can be confident that you are leaving your pets in the best possible hands.

Averil was brought up in her parent’s then State of the Art boarding kennel in Co Durham. Studying at both Leeds and Durham Universities before embarking on a successful teaching career, she maintained her love and interest in animals breeding and exhibiting the family’s Lireva Samoyeds and Pomeranians.  She became a Fellow of the Animal Care College in 1990 and tutored for many years on their General Canine Studies and Kennel Management Courses.  She is a member of the Kennel Club serving for over a decade as the North West Regional Organiser for the Young Kennel Club and attending many summer camps to train young people in the care and joy of working with dogs.  She is an International Judge and has judged her breeds, Junior Dog Handling and Grooming at Crufts.  With Sean and her brother Don she continues to exhibit her family’s top winning Lireva Pomeranians.   

Sean was brought up in his family’s Krishe Samoyed show kennel.  In 1981 he was the National JHA Junior Dog Handler of the Year and visited America as part of his prize.  Following a career in mechanical engineering and Project Management within the Aerospace & Automotive industry he has realised the dream of owning Springfield.  Sean is Secretary of the Pet Education, Training and Behaviour Council (PETbc) and also Treasurer of Southern Counties, one of the countries premier Championship Dog Shows.  He is a Championship level judge of his breeds and Junior Dog Handling.  He is also a member of the Kennel Club.  A keen biker since his teens he is a member of the Severn Advanced Motorcylists and still enjoys an occasional blast on the race track!

Trish joined us when we took over Springfield having been a joint manager of the Astutus Pet Hotel for many years.  Her knowledge and experience of working with and caring for dogs and cats is vast.  She exhibited Samoyeds and Border Collies for many years under the Glenhusky affix.  She judges Samoyeds and served for a number of years on the Samoyed Owners and Breeders League committee.    

The other members of our team are carefully picked and further trained if necessary to ensure that the Springfield ethos of care is maintained at all times.