Who I Am & My Story

I've always had a deep love for animals, though for a long time, it was a quiet passion. Growing up, our home was a lively one, filled with the pitter-patter of dogs' paws and the curious presence of rabbits, fish, and even terrapins. These early experiences nurtured a profound connection to the animal kingdom, but it wasn't until I welcomed my own dogs into my life that my passion truly ignited and set me on this path.

My first dog, Taiya, a beautiful Dogue de Bordeaux, came to me after a difficult start in life. My heart's desire was simply to give her the happiest, most fulfilling life possible. Years later, I opened my home to another rescue, Ted, a German Shepherd. Ted, unfortunately, brought his own set of challenges, including reactivity, nervousness, and aggression. Working with Ted has been an incredibly demanding, yet profoundly rewarding, journey. I've poured endless hours into understanding his needs, collaborating with trainers, and dedicating myself to learning everything I could about dog body language, facial expressions, and what truly works (and doesn't) for a complex dog like him. This hands-on experience, navigating the nuances of canine behavior, has not only transformed Ted's life but has also intensified my own passion, driving me to learn more and more about our incredible canine companions.

From Passion to Profession: The Birth of Sniff & Stride

When Ted was two, we faced the heartbreaking loss of our beloved Taiya. Her passing left a huge hole in our hearts, and in Ted's too. It wasn't long before we decided to welcome another Dogue de Bordeaux puppy into our family. Working and playing with the two of them together always brightened my day. I'd spend hours training them, both individually and together, ensuring each received the personalized attention and training that suited their unique personalities.

Spending so much fulfilling time with my own dogs gave me an "aha!" moment. I thought to myself, "What's stopping me from working with pets professionally?" It clicked – the only thing holding me back was myself. That's when I threw myself into research and decided I wanted to dedicate as much of my time as possible to animals, whether it was walking them, staying with them, or simply playing. I knew deep down this was what I was meant to do.

This realization was the spark that ignited Sniff & Stride. My motivation was clear: to give animals the best possible adventures and ensure they are genuinely happy. I knew I had the right amount of love and dedication to provide exceptional care.

My Professional Commitment & Expertise

Beyond my personal journey, I've actively sought out diverse experiences and professional training to ensure I provide the highest standard of care for your beloved pets. I've gained valuable hands-on experience working in a kennel environment, providing dedicated care for both dogs and cats. Additionally, I've volunteered at stables, which included everything from cleaning and mucking out horses to feeding cats and providing enrichment for groups of dogs.

To further solidify my knowledge and ensure your pet's safety, I've completed a comprehensive Canine First Aid course, giving me the vital skills to handle various situations should they arise. I've also recently completed a specialized Dog Walking and Pet Sitting course, deepening my understanding of best practices in this sector.

Your peace of mind is paramount. That's why Sniff & Stride is fully insured for all services, and I have undergone a thorough DBS check. These measures ensure that both your beloved pets and your home are in safe, trustworthy hands.

The Paws Behind the Passion