In October 2013 my dream came true of owning a dog of my own. I had had a dog as a child but work commitments made that impossible for many years as an adult. It just would not have been fair on the dog. And then my work circumstances changed and a beautiful 11 week old Black Labrador (with very large paws) came into my husband’s and my life and changed our world forever…and for the better. As he grew (and he certainly did that) he turned into the best companion anyone could ask for.
Admittedly, like most Labradors food was his driver and many a walk involved pulling him away from bins and discarded food packages but his nature was nothing but love. Bless him I spent most of his life (from six months old onwards) treating a skin condition that required injections, creams, sprays, tablets almost every day.
He grew tall until he was German Shepherd size and weighed 50 kilos but we trained him well so that he was able to walk off lead and was gentle with children. He never experienced kennels, most holidays he came with us and, if not, he stayed with family and friends and we would return the favour. After a very short illness, we lost him in June 2024 and the home and our routine were not the same.
However, I have found that my services as a dog sitter and walker have been well used since by friends. I have never taken the dogs in more than one at a time so that they have my full attention. You can see from the endorsements that I have walked and dog sat different breeds of different sizes and ages from Cockapoo to puppy size Cane Corso and 15 year old Border Collie and middle-aged Husky as well as previous experiences with the breeds of Springer Spaniel, Jack Russell and Dalmation.
I always say I get on better with dogs than humans and they certainly seem happy to see me and enjoy their walks and the attention I give them. This is what has inspired me to set up One At A Time. I have the availability to help those out who are struggling to give their dog adequate exercise or have to be out for too many hours to leave their dog on its own. But I am keen that their furry friend has my attention to him/herself and is not having to share me with several other dogs. If it is felt, where there is more than one dog in a household, that it would be of benefit to the dogs to walk together I may do so if it is manageable and I agree it is of benefit to all the dogs. I appreciate that some dogs are nervous with other dogs and need one-to-one attention and a quieter walk on their own. I am here to help.
At the moment I am only offering to walk dogs or give them an hour or two of company, I will not be offering dog sitting at this time. However, as the business settles and I identify that there is a need for dog sitting for individual dogs I will seek the correct permissions to offer such a service.
In the meantime, if you feel your furry friend would benefit from one on one attention and dog walking please get in contact. I assure you that the physical and emotional well-being of your furry friend will always be my priority. I am afraid even you will come second to them!
