Dogsitters

Having become very attached to my pooch, Barney, after finding him near starving and tick-ridden by the lakes at El Chorro a few years ago, I hate leaving him when I go back to the UK for holidays, but can´t afford to take him with me and, after the last time, will not leave him in a dog´s home. I´m sure many of the licensed kennels are perfectly adequate, but I obviously chose the wrong one last time. When I went to pick him up 12 months ago, he was visibly thinner than before and filthy dirty. He was waiting in the heat in a large barred cage, and was so pleased to see me he nearly squeezed himself through the bars. He howled all the way home - more in protest at what I had put him through than excitement at seeing me I think, and he still howls now if he sees the suitcase come out. I am not one of those owners who thinks our pooches should be pampered or treated like babies, but a bit of kindness and comfort would not go amiss when he is away from me. Does anyone know of any private dog carers who may be able to take him for 10 days over Christmas? I have heard of a few people advertising in the local rags, but would rather go on recommendation.