Today is Smarty Paws’ 4th Birthday!
I cannot believe that another whole year has passed – and what a difficult year it has been with having to keep Smarty Paws doors closed for most of it. I can’t wait to open again fully and to be reunited with all of my wonderful clients and their gorgeous pooches!
So, I thought I might take this opportunity to reflect and think about way back when – before Smarty Paws was even an idea in my mind. Where did my love for dogs come from? The truth is, I can’t remember a time in my life where I didn’t love dogs. Even as a child, all of my toys were dog related (check out my teddy Finley – he was nearly bigger than me!).
Some of my earliest memories are with dogs. My grandparents on both my Mum and Dad’s side had dogs, and I so desperately wanted a dog of my own. As a family we used to go caravanning or camping most weekends. As soon as we would arrive at the site, I would be off exploring – meeting all the dogs and offering to take them for walks!
When I was 14, we finally got a family dog! A gorgeous German Shepherd x called Skye. I was so happy to have a dog I could walk, play with and look after every single day. We sadly lost her to kidney failure in Sept 2017.
At the age of 19 I got a dog that was just mine, Bruno. A Jack Russell x Chihuahua, I call Bruno my heart dog because we have an unbreakable bond that is stronger than anything. I don’t think there are words to describe the special connection we share.
(Bruno was actually named after my favourite teddy I got when I was 7 – check out the photo).
And of course, we can’t forget Finnegan. He has just turned 15 months old – most of you would have seen him at the salon. I first fell in love with poodles when I started my grooming career at a salon called Poodle Trim. I was just 14 myself – but my early experience definitely inspired me and ignited a dream to one day have a salon of my own. And here we have made it to 2021 – with 16 years of grooming experience and a salon and a poodle of my own! Not only that, but Smarty Paws has reached four years old – despite one of the hardest years we could ever have managed. I think that is definitely something huge to celebrate on this special day. Happy Birthday Smarty Paws!
I want to say such a huge thank you to every single one of our customers and your dogs, you are amazing! Thank you so much to my wonderful team. Abbie joined us over two years ago now, how time flies! It has been incredible to watch her grow and develop – her grooming skills and techniques have come such a long way. She really is an asset to the team! Abbie has been so supportive throughout this year and I could not have done it without her. Also, Karen, who works part-time, thank you for all your hard work.
We hope we can all celebrate together soon enough!
Thank you and stay safe,
Leanne
