Barking Mad Ltd, the franchise that provides dogs and their owners with an alternative to house-sitting and kennels, have named their 2012 Franchisee of the Year as Rob Schuler from Taunton.

Rob will be hoping to make it a double win in October, having just been selected as a semi-finalist for the South West & South Wales region in the bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year awards.

Managing director Lee Dancy, who founded the company in 2000, said: “We are thrilled to award this accolade to Rob, he truly is an outstanding business partner. Rob’s passion and commitment to his business, together with unrivalled ambition, demonstrate how to run a successful Barking Mad franchise.”

Rob came across the Barking Mad franchise when looking for care for his ChocolateLabrador, Rolo. He said: “I just knew that kennels wouldn’t be right for him so I wanted to find an alternative. I had seen Barking Mad advertised in my local town so I decided to investigate the website and soon realised what a fantastic concept it is. Rolo would have his own holiday with a host family when I went away, what could be better?!”

Rob completed a wildlife and conservation degree at Plymouth University, purchased an existing business in May 2008 and by January was running dual territories. He’s since taken on a full-time member of staff who helps him run the territory successfully, and Barking Mad Somerset continues to go from to strength to strength as witnessed by his award.