Working with animals has always been a life long passion for me, after traveling for 2 years and working on an outback cattle station for 6 months over in oz I realised that when I returned to the uk I needed to do what I love, ok it took some time to get the courage to set up my own business but I studied an OCN level 2 course at Broomfield college in dog grooming.
At 33 years old going back to education was thoroughly refreshing and I enjoyed every session on learning how to groom and handle different breeds of dogs, the course I did was fantastic and as it was all practical work with real dogs to work on there was plenty of opportunity to learn different techniques and styles of grooming for each breed of dog. After I qualified and passed my course I set up Woof and Ready Dog Grooming, like any business it takes a while to build up but it’s gone from strength to strength and I have a lot of valued clients that are loyal and return again and again which in turn makes me very proud.
For me Peggy my Patterdale terrier was my real inspiration, she’s the first dog I have had and has brought me so much pleasure (apart from digging up my flower bed that is). Dogs introduce you to more new things, I like to see new places rather than go to the same park every day so on my free days I get out my walking in Derbyshire book and go for a hike, we are really privileged to live on the edge of the Peak District, there’s so many gorgeous dog walks and dog friendly pubs to visit, when I have dogs that I’m home boarding they come along too and love it as much and me and Peggy.
Through dog grooming I have met Many of my neighbours in the Stockbrook area of Derby who bring their dogs for a hair cut, it’s really nice to walk down the street and say hello to people or stop and have a natter on the park, I have met a fellow dog walker Jon who is lovely, just by giving him a few business cards he’s brought me 2 new customers poppy the Newfoundland/Rottie and trudy the collie to wash and spruce up. jon also helps me out when I need a day off dog walking and takes little doodle out for me so he doesn’t miss out…. So if anyone out there needs a dog walker I know a few that are really nice trustworthy good people.