Having grown up around various breeds of dog, I suppose it was inevitable that dogs would feature in my future quite prominently. As a teenager, most of my time was spent horse riding – love the smell of hoof oil and molasses. As time passed and I had my own children, it was a great surprise to find that my daughter loved riding as well and it was something we could do together.
I’ve been involved in dog rescue for some time now and though a founder of UK Spaniel Rescue, my preferred breed is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. We’ve always had dogs in the home for as long as I can remember and, whilst growing up with both dogs and horses, it was always going to be more viable to keep dogs! I have been the proud owner of several rescues in the past and am now currently owned by a Puggle, Lemmy (my husband’s dog, very much his dog to the point where he will completely ignore me if my husband is out), having lost Gypsy, Harley, Kizzie, Lili and Bella. In the past family dogs have also been an English Springer Spaniel, Dan (or Daniel the Spaniel) and E-Buzz, our rescue mutt.
For those who may not know me personally, I have lived in Freckleton for over 50 years. I have two wonderful children and one adorable granddaughter. All are also dog mad, especially Elsie my granddaughter, whose first words on waking now are, “Where’s Mabel?” (their Staffie cross) and with Mabel sulking in my granddaughter’s room until she comes home from nursery.
I enjoy visiting Crufts for the networking and supporting small businesses there and was thrilled that this year, my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter joined me with my granddaughter making her ‘debut’ with her audience participation piece hiding scented items for dogs. My daughter and I first visited Crufts with the aim of educating the owners of Staffordshire Bull Terriers on the sad consequences of not having SBTs tested for L2-HGA. A debilitating neurological condition found predominently in Staffords but occasionally in other breeds. We got to know many of the people who visited every year and so a precedent was set for Mother/Daughter time…now Mother/Daughter/Son in law/Granddaughter time!
I started my venture into dog rescue as a home visitor for many other rescues. I then went on to become a receptionist for my local RSPCA, a volunteer for the Animal Team, founder and trustee for Wags and Bones Staffie Rescue Support, a trustee and volunteer/foster co-ordinator for the Senior Staffy Club and as trustee, secretary and chair for a Spaniel rescue. I also support owners of banned breeds and those of dogs that have fallen foul of the law in one way or another and have attended many seminars on dog law for professionals, held by Trevor Cooper, as a representative of my non-profit organisation, Deed Not Breed, along with my colleagues, Mel and Caroline. I have also had the honour of being a panel member of two of Trevor’s webinars on Breed Specific Legislation.
My life now, mainly consists of rehoming Spaniels through a rescue I set up with my friends, and colleagues, Lisa and Caroline and so UK Spaniel Rescue was born. Run entirely by volunteers, our foster-based rescue helps Spaniels who can no longer stay in their homes. We don’t judge — we simply offer help, whether that’s through advice from our qualified behaviour team, temporary fostering, or full rehoming. Every dog comes with lifelong rescue backup. Our trustees and team are force-free professionals with decades of experience in Spaniel (and other breeds) rescue. We prioritise education, communication, rehabilitation, and collaboration, always with the dog’s welfare at the centre.
In recent months I have undertaken a microchip implanter course and previously set up my own company, a mobile microchipping service which I continue to do with Serendipawty Pet Care. I am certified, insured and DBS checked.
Although not a dog behaviourist, I only employ positive, force free practices when working with client’s dogs. I wanted to work with dogs but at the same time, be my own boss so I decided to set up Serendipawty Pet Care. In my capacity as a founder and trustee of UK Spaniel Rescue, I also have the privilege of having access to some of the best behaviourists, organisations and legal professionals in the country. I take my work with dogs very seriously and the welfare of dogs is always of the utmost importance.
I have attended conferences held by the ADCH (Association of Dogs and Cats Homes) which, though primarily for those working in rescue, can also be invaluable for people working with dogs.
I am a member of the Association of INTODogs, Professional member of KAD (Kids Around Dogs), IICE (International Institute for Canine Ethics) Professional member, a Canine Principles Skill Hub member and a member of The National Association for Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
Every day is a learning day and I believe this to be very much so in the world of dog rescue. I am currently studying L3 Award in Dog Behaviour, Welfare and Training, L3 Diploma in Canine Nutrition and Health, Canine Anatomy and Physiology Accredited Certificate, Canine Pharmacology Accredited Advanced Certificate and Canine Anxiety Certificate and have complete the courses below.
OfQual iPET Network Level 3 Award in Canine First Aid.
ISCP L3 Diploma in Supporting Rescue Dogs (distinction).
ISCP Canine Communication course.
The Dog Rescuers Guide.
Senior Dog Care Course.
Helping Rescue Dogs Unpack Their Bags.
Qualified microchip implanter.
Director and owner at Deed Not Breed Ltd.
When not doing all things ‘dog’, I love to travel. Having visited many countries including South Africa, Iceland, Greece, Italy, Austria and Spain to name a few, Romania is definitely on my list to visit again but the big bucket list visit would have to be to Costa Rica and the Territorio De Zaguates (or the Land of the Strays).