Laura Anderson, dog walker
WHEN my dad died, in 2012, I decided it was time to pursue my passion. I'd been working as an estate agent for five years and suddenly felt the force of the phrase "life is short." Lots of us have things we really want to do but never really grasp the opportunity. This was mine.
I lived in Kuwait until I was four – my Dad was working there as a civil engineer. Dogs in the Middle East are considered unclean and so I was scared of them. We came back to Scotland when the first Gulf War broke out and I couldn't believe that people kept dogs as pets. Gradually though, through meeting people with dogs, I grew to love them.
My parents were into the outdoors and my sister and I have lots of great memories of going on family adventures. I have always been sporty and given the joy I get from the fresh air, exercise and dogs, dog walking seemed a natural thing to do. I knew from day one that I had done the right thing as I picked up my first group of friendly furries to go up the Campsie hills.
I only take a maximum of five dogs on each walk (I do three/four walks a day) and during the course of the day get to know their different personalities.
I don't meet many people on my walks as I opt for paths that are off the beaten track and need a bit of work to climb. The dogs love the cardio. It's fascinating to watch them - they develop friendships and have favourites just like humans.
My husband and I are into fitness in a big way and I spend a lot of time in the gym to ensure the dogs on the first walk get the same quality of walk, and the best from me, as the dogs on the last. I also offer one-to-one running sessions for energetic dogs which are great fun and good for burning calories.
Most people say my work must be lonely but I feel exactly the opposite. I have a big extended family thanks to all my hairy friends and my own dogs, Haggis and Whisky, love the company when they join some of the walks. The dogs' energy rubs off on me and I no longer get up in the morning dreading going to work.
People always ask how I put up with the Scottish weather but it doesn't bother me in the slightest. I am well dressed for the elements, complete with baseball cap to keep the rain off my eyes.
The hard part of my job is when clients move away, don't need my help anymore, or, sadly, the dogs pass away. You do become very attached to them all.
Some people think being a dog walker is easy but if you're going to do it well you have to take it seriously since you are responsible for other people's animals. I am qualified in canine first-aid and have spent some time learning about behavioural management: a wagging tail does not always mean a happy dog. You have to deal with some emergencies too - I once came in to a house to find a dog choking on a bone and had to rush him to hospital - thankfully he recovered.
I don't think many people can say they're doing their dream job but that's what I feel. I'm doing what I love and making a difference. I can never wait to get back to work after a holiday - I miss all the dogs so much. It's fantastic to be reunited.
ladogwalking.co.uk
Jill Brown
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