01/10/2024
Thirty- Fifth Anniversary Thoughts
On this day 35 years ago Dial-A-Pet Service was launched.
My dear Mum gave me its name, my wonderful Dad gave me his words of wisdom – “don’t do it” – a mantra he would repeat regularly whilst supporting me in every way he could.
It’s hard to imagine now but, at that time, there were no other animal minding businesses around, so I had to work everything out as I went along!
So, as a 24-year-old armed with the experience of Veterinary Nurse training and managing a large kennels and cattery, I set out to build my business.
Even though I had the very helpful backing of several veterinary surgeons in the area, work was slow to build up, so the first few years were spent gardening, cleaning, child-minding etc as well as the odd animal-minding job.
Eventually my diary became full, but I could never imagine what an amazing journey was ahead of me, with all sorts of creatures – including tarantulas, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, budgies, parrots, cockatiels, gerbils, rabbits, chickens, chameleons, marmosets, as well as countless cats and dogs – filling my days with adventures!
It has been sad at times – especially when I found one of my elderly clients deceased with her dear cat still sitting loyally on her chest – but overall, it has been incredible fun and many of my lovely clients have become dear friends.
I have been involved in custody disputes, rescued a client when she had fallen into her large pond, another when she had fallen in the garden and broken her hip, and another when I arrived to find she had suffered a stroke, and even taken a dog to stand as a Guard of Honour at her owner’s funeral.
I am blessed with the most loyal clients – some are on their third generation of dogs and one moved to the Isle of Wight but still delivers her dog to me before going on holiday as she refuses to leave him with anyone else – and to say “thank you” seems woefully inadequate, but please know that I will always be grateful to you for placing your treasured and dear animals in my care.
I must thank my amazing family – especially Sara who puts up with living in a zoo with incredible patience, and Georgia who was great company as a little girl as she accompanied me while I worked.
Finally, my biggest thanks must go to my darling late Dad, and my wonderful Mum, without whom there would be no Dial-A-Pet Service.
