16/08/2025
8 years ago today I launched a dog walking business. I’ve walked some amazing dogs in the last 8 years. Some dogs are no longer of this earth. Some dogs were just a few weeks old and grew with me as my business grew month after month, year after year. Some dogs moved away. Some dogs I still walk today. I’ve never really advertised and usually work via recommendation. Starting my business gave me the time I needed to focus on myself and re-gave me the courage and belief in myself again to escape a very emotionally abusive and controlling relationship that I had felt trapped in. I adapted and carried on working and survived through (as well as post) a Covid pandemic when most other dog walking businesses at that time folded due to lack of demand. I’ve walked approximately an average of 48,000 miles with the furry gang over the last 8 years in all weathers and I can say with my hand on my heart that for the most part, I’ve practically enjoyed almost every single moment. I also didn’t let a very severe dog attack that left me with several stitches and muscle damage stop me. This week I was sadly affected by heat stroke that prevented me from doing some walks…. But I’m still standing at the age of 52 and I can honestly say that even I’m surprised and still wonder where I get the energy from each day, when I know that most people in their 20s don’t have the physical endurance to cover the mileage I cover most days. It’s been great to work with some wonderful dogs doing what I love and getting to work with animals each day. As jobs go, its not always easy and can come with its challenges, but I’ve managed for the most part to make what I do daily look easy to those who think all I do is “walk dogs”. There’s obviously so much more to it than “just walking dogs”, but I really have enjoyed the last 8 years. All the dogs in my care are like furry family members to me… a furry family that offer so much joy, even on the hardest and most gruelling of work days. I’ve had the time of my life 🙏🏻😉🐕🦮🐕🦺🐾