23/06/2026
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This is a post about how Bark for Mark started. In December 2018 I started a washbay at Durban Ski Boat Club for ski-boats returning from deep sea fishing. I was 2 years away from retirement after working for 38 years in the corporate world. In the quiet period before the first boats returned to shore I noticed people washing their dogs under the tap, after walking them on the beach and promenade. This gave me the idea to offer a dog wash service and I designed the equipment that I still use today. I was working weekends with my washbay crew that I had recruited and trained to wash boats, motors and fishing tackle, whilst still working my last 18 months at my corporate job. Here is one of my first dog wash pics, June 2019. Sadly Grant ("Boy"), as he liked to be called, passed away approximately 2 years ago after complications with his diabetes. He was very passionate about dogs and was always keen to assist with the dogs. By the end of 2019, I decided to give the washbay business to my crew of 3 brothers whilst I decided to continue with the dogs on a mobile basis, once I retired, which came earlier than expected due to COVID in March 2020. Calvin, Grant's youngest brother still runs the washbay 7 days a week with his own crew, subject to suitable sea conditions for launching. Sadly the 3rd brother, Owen, was shot and killed near his home over a domestic issue, for which he was not to blame. The 3 brothers who were never employed, ran the washbay by themselves and earned a living, saved money and I am very proud of Calvin, who still offers a fantastic service to club members and is well liked and supported. I still bath Molly, a Golden Retriever, from Durban North, who was one of my first washbay dog 🐕 clients.
Dirty dogs? Bark for Mark on WhatsApp 060 533 6353 to schedule an appointment
