5.0

I’ve grown up with rescue greyhounds and spaniels since before I could walk. I believe this is where my love for animals strayed from. Around the age of 10 I began walking my neighbours dogs as well as my one for pocket money. As I gained experience doing this i began to walk, house sit and look after other dogs in my neighbourhood raging from puppies to senior dogs ages 13/14 years. My responsibilities when doing this would include, feeding, engaging in enriching play, basic training, walking, giving medications. Due to my experience growing up with greyhounds who are very large complex dogs, I am used to looking after and walking dogs with complex personalities, who may need muzzled on walks, may be shy, may be aggressive, might be very large and strong on a lead, and I am very comfortable being around this type of dog. And have the knowledge and skills to adapt my care style to suit this. Last year before I went to university I spent 5 months in Sri Lanka volunteering at a dog rescue centre. This was a life changing experience. While there, my day to day involved looking after up to 6 dogs, who varied in size, age and breed. I was responsible for walking, feeding, giving medications, de ticking, and training. I also had the opportunity to travel Sri Lanka bringing in the most vulnerable stray dogs and give them the care and help they needed. In my 5 months I bonded with two dogs in particular. And senior male dog who was very nervous and scared of humans so often hid away, whom I very slowly build up trust with and created a strong bond with, and a female puppy who was also very anxious and scared but portrayed this with aggression. For her I spend weeks one on one building trust, giving her space, training her which enriching activities and slowly introducing her to other dogs. My time in Sri Lanka has given me such a wide knowledge on dogs and how to adapt your care to meet their need, wether their complex or very happy easy going. I also underwent dog first aid training while out there. If I haven’t already portrayed it enough, I am very comfortable with a large variety of dogs. Be that an easy going Spaniel who loved people animals and everything to complex large breeds who may be stronger, aren’t as socialised, or need extra attention. My love for all dogs is unwavering and as any dog owner will understand - it’s a dogs world and we’re just living in it !