Tell us a bit about what you do?
I’ve worked with dogs for as long as I can remember. I started out in pet shops and grooming salons when I was just 14, fitting it around school. By the time I was 16, I was managing kennels so I’ve spent over 30 years doing what I love.
After spending several years in London, I moved back to Suffolk and decided to go back to grooming. People often asked where I had my own dog groomed, which gave me the push to start up again. I began by offering a mobile grooming service, something I still do today for elderly or housebound customers. And about a year ago, I opened my own salon
Alongside grooming, I also do dog training, focusing mainly on obedience work. I’m also currently partway through a course in holistic health management for dogs which has been really interesting.
What do you like best about your job?
For me, it’s all about the dogs. There’s a real satisfaction in earning the trust of a nervous dog watching them relax and building a rapport with you. And of course, there are always those really cute ones that just melt your heart.
Coming into winter, do you have any tips for dog owners?
Absolutely. Autumn and winter bring their own challenges. Watch out for chestnuts and conkers, as they can be toxic for dogs. It’s also important to check paws and ears regularly for things like thorns or signs of irritation especially as the weather changes.
After woodland walks, always clean your dog’s feet (and even under their tummy) to stop them licking off anything bad that can them get in their bloodstream.
Regular grooming is essential all year round, ideally every 6 to 8 weeks, and brushing in between appointments helps keep their coat healthy.
Some breeds will also benefit from wearing a coat when it gets really cold, so it’s worth keeping an eye on how your dog copes with lower temperatures.
You’ve recently started stocking Green Pantry products in your salon. What prompted this?
I like to support UK-based suppliers wherever possible and I only choose brands that use natural ingredients. Green Pantry really stood out to me not just because they’re local to me, but also because of the holistic and natural approach they take to nutrition.
I am also stocking their new supplements. I’ve been giving the calming one to my own dog and have noticed a difference in the evenings.
And your own dogs?
I have two. Cooper is a working Cocker Spaniel who absolutely loves agility, and Ted is a Maltese Terrier. Ted was actually a rescue and he came to me from a client who was relocating and couldn’t keep him.
