Dogs are even allowed to sleep in their carer's bed

David Haighton, a farmer from Telford, is helping to organise individual care for dogs with local families while the animals' owners are away from home.

The alternative to kennels is part of the "Pals4Pets" scheme, launched in London by actress Jenny Seagrove five years ago.

Dogs lucky enough to be cared for under the scheme will receive unbridled attention while their owners are getting away from it all.

Telephone support

There is no mixing of dogs from different homes and so care and attention is lavished on each animal on an individual basis.

Every home involved in the scheme must undergo a local authority or vetinary inspection and be licensed and insured.

Each carer works to a 22-page manual and is given access to round-the-clock telephone support.

The service starts at a cost of �19.75 a night, and dogs are even allowed to sleep in a bed with their carer if that is what they are used to at home.

Local authorities throughout Shropshire and in Dudley and Wolverhampton have given the scheme their approval.

Monica Loosley, the founder of Pets4Pals, told BBC News Online: "A good kennel isn't cheap and, with this scheme, the dog gets the kind of one-on-one care not available elsewhere."