I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and tell you a bit of my background.
I love dogs and have owned and been around them all of my life, from having a poodle as a toddler, to cross breeds, a German Shepherd and my current dog, a beautiful 8 year old yellow Labrador.
I am fascinated by how individual dogs are; each having their own unique characters, foibles, likes and dislikes, habits and needs.
I have watched countless TV programmes and online videos about dogs, and have read multiple books. I know the basics of dog training, and can teach dogs to sit, lie down, wait etc, and have had some success at improving walking, through positive reinforcement and rewarding, but am in no way a certified trainer (yet!). But I am patient and don’t mind repetition!
I also love the environment, nature and the outdoors life. I love rambling and walking, especially in the Peak and Lake Districts, especially with my dog in tow.
I enjoy camping and exploring this beautiful country of ours, bird watching, reading….oh… and heavy metal music!!
So, after taking early retirement from the NHS, where I’ve worked as a frontline nurse for the last 35 years, I decided to combine these passions and set up my own business as a professional dog walker.
My career as a nurse involved working in the acute hospital setting in cardiothoracic surgery, and interventional radiology, (where I managed a team of 22 nurses), and latterly the last 10 and a half years has seen me practice as a district nurse.
My career has taught me about professionalism, responsibility, integrity, trust and service. All of which are qualities I will bring to my dog walking business.
I have many transferable clinical skills and have undertaken an advanced first aid course for dogs, and feel more than capable of dealing with most situations… dressing a dog’s leg with bandages in an emergency is remarkably similar to bandaging a human leg! And CPR is done at the same ratio of breaths:cardiac compressions! That was something new I learned!
I offer a more bespoke service than many dog walkers and walk all dogs individually, to concentrate on them and give them the attention and time they need to explore, play, sniff, socialise and have fun. If after several months and getting to know the dogs and their natures, I may offer small group walks of no more than 3 dogs at a time, but only with each owner’s express permission. Dogs will not be allowed off lead unless there is a safe, enclosed/fenced area away from roads and traffic, and again only with the owners’ written permission.
If you feel I may fit the bill and offer a service you would like to use, and give me the chance to look after and care for your dog, please contact me via the channels on the contact page.
I look forward to hearing from you and meeting your beloved canine companion.