The Devoted2Dogs Journey
I started Devoted2Dogs in 2011 when I stopped working to care for and rehabilitate Lyla, my rescue Lurcher (Saluki/Whippet), following a terrible accident in which she was hit by a car whilst my husband and I were on holiday.
I had always been desperate to have a dog but never felt that it was fair given that I had, up until 2011, always worked full time in central London, something a lot of dog owners struggle with.
I was the London Area Manager for a retail fashion business, and in early 2009 the then Managing Director agreed to allow me to bring a dog to work. As you can imagine I was absolutely thrilled.
After eight weeks searching across numerous rescue centres we fell in love with a beautiful, but badly injured Lurcher, who was recovering at the Dogs Trust in Harefield. The name that had been given to her by the wonderful staff was “Honey Lamb”, clearly this needed to be changed!
Over the next two years Lyla and I were inseparable, and she was with me every day – bliss. However, in mid 2011 a change at the company resulted in me being informed that I would no longer be able to take Lyla to work. I tried to overturn their decision but the they would not change their mind.
Overnight I went from being with Lyla every day to having to find day care, a real eye opener. I could not find somebody to “be me” for Lyla, and care for her as I would, which weighed heavily on my mind every day I dropped her off.
In September 2011 Lyla was seriously injured in a road traffic accident. The next 24 hours were incredibly difficult for me as I travelled back from overseas, racing to be with her. When I finally saw Lyla in the Vets I knew what I had to do. I left the world of fashion retail immediately as I was needed at home to care for and rehabilitate Lyla.
Thankfully Lyla recovered, and the time I had spent with her confirmed to me that I had to find a way to be with her, and to follow my passion – Devoted 2 Dogs was born.
Five years on a decision to listen to my heart, has been massively rewarding for me and I absolutely love what I do. I feel blessed to be able to spend every day with Lyla, and our canine companions.
I hope you investigate my website fully to understand why I feel that I offer something very different, and why you should trust me with your best friend and companion.
Click here to read Lyla’s (AKA Honey’s) Story at the Dogs Trust
