I come from a family of dog lovers; every single one of us is dog crazy. As soon as I was born, the bond between myself and the family dog was clear - and yes, that is a picture of us, haha!
Growing up, we never had fewer than two dogs in the home, ranging from the dinkiest dachshund to the beefiest boxer. Every dog was, and is, a part of the family, and treated as such – just kids with extra legs. It naturally followed that I grew up to be the kind of person who was always at her happiest in the company of dogs.
I spent many years, working hard at my office job, to provide a quality of life for my own dogs, that would ensure they were happy and healthy. In my spare time we would go on ‘adventures’. After a day at the office, a brisk woodland walk, or a stroll around the park meant we were all tired and relaxed by bedtime.
It never occurred to me that I could do my favourite thing in the world, for a job, until someone said the simple phrase: “You should be a dog walker”. That was, as they say, my lightbulb moment. You see, before I had even considered being a professional, I had already studied to become fully certified in dog first aid. As I sat in the classroom, furiously taking notes, my desk buddy asked me: “Are you a groomer or a dog walker?”, and all I could say was “Neither, I just love my dogs”. And now I’m living my dream.
I started volunteering; shadowing several different dog walkers, for weeks at a time; and every day, it became clearer that this was always my vocation.
I know that every dog I meet, is special. I love their different personalities, and quirks. My own two are chalk and cheese, so I adapt my care to meet their individual needs. And I will do the same for yours. So, on our adventures, I will care for your dogs as if they are my own.
Because all dogs, are good dogs. 🐾
Rachael