"Ah'reet cocker?" Hello, hello! I had to slip in a bit of Lancashire’s best and give you a warm welcome.
I’m Chris Bell and I’m here to give you and your pet the very best in doggy walking experiences and pet home care visits.
If you want to find out a little more about me, please read on, otherwise, please check out the rest of our page, then we can have a chat in person and meet your pets. I hope to meet you soon.
Life before dogs and MyWaggyTails
I have always loved animals. I grew up with cats, although other relatives and neighbours had dogs and it was a real treat to be allowed to walk and play with them. I always wanted to work with animals, but I wasn’t particularly scientific at school and those opportunities somehow passed me by.
When I had my own children, cats and other small furries (rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, gerbils, hamsters and a chinchilla) formed a much loved and doted upon part of our family life. It wasn’t until ten years ago that I finally brought home a sprocker spaniel pup called Monty to join the merry throng and life took on new adventures ...
When my children were still very young, I trained as an English teacher and worked as a supply teacher in both secondary and primary schools for ten years. I spent a further fifteen years running school libraries and, although I really enjoyed working in education, my hankering to work with animals was still there. What could I do to fulfil that part of me that wanted to spend more time with them?
In addition to joining and donating to a number of national and worldwide organisations committed to helping animals, I also spent my Sunday mornings for 4 years volunteering in an animal sanctuary, caring for cats, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs and hedgehogs. In fact, three of my four cats came from the sanctuary and live a happy, contented lifestyle, thank you very much! The experience as a volunteer with rescued animals gave me renewed vigour and reaffirmed my passion to working with animals as soon as the right opportunity came along.
That opportunity happened quicker than I anticipated. Sadly, I lost my dad to a sudden stroke and, after being on automatic pilot for several weeks, I suddenly realised that life is too short to waste on unfulfilling work. I gave up my full-time office job, started some canine first aid and behaviour training and adopted a female cocker spaniel as a companion for Monty who has always loved his walks and now has even more fun with his new friend! Working full time had meant that Monty had been at home all day alone which had made both of us quite miserable. He needed company, exercise, mental stimulation but was only getting a quick walk before I went to work and another when I came home.
So, I took the plunge, making the commitment to a ‘work’ life delivering excellent dog walking and pet sitting services, reducing the stress for pets and their owners ... it was definitely the way forward. Studying for qualifications has never been an issue for me and training for valuable, meaningful pet care qualifications has enabled me: to put everything together – my love of animals, my desire to care for your pets as I care for my own; to take your dog(s) out on stimulating, exciting walks that allow them to socialise and have fun; to cuddle and feed your cat whilst you take that well-earned break.
Having a deep understanding of pet behaviour and years of experience with a variety of pets ensures their safety and well-being and your peace of mind.
Qualifications – MA in Education, PGCE;
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Diploma (New Skills Academy);
Dog Grooming (Stonebridge Associated Colleges)
Canine Behaviour Training Diploma
Canine First Aid
Dog Trainer course
Also ... I am a qualified Reiki Master (complementary therapy – for use specifically with animals).
My life now is enjoyable and fulfilled because I am doing something I have always wanted to do. My passion for dogs, cats and animals in general has developed into something far more than “just a job”. I am privileged to be living my dream.
By giving your pet some fun/adventure/companionship/cuddles when you can’t, it’s a win-win situation. Everyone is happy, the stress factor is eliminated, and you can go to work, on that short break or cruise knowing that your pet is in safe, professional hands.
I look forward to meeting you and your pet.