Hi!

I’m Jemma and I thought you might want to know a little more about me before entrusting me with your beloved dog...

As a child I began to develop a fear of dogs and so my Dad decided that we should get a family dog to help allay my growing anxiety. Thus, Jamie the Miniature Schnauzer joined our family and the spell was cast! We instantly bonded with each other. He was my little brother, my best friend and during difficult times ahead he was my ‘rock’ and confidante. My Dad’s plan had worked! I no longer feared, but rather loved all dogs.

My first experience of dog sitting was when I was 18 years old. My school friend was travelling to South Africa for three weeks with her family and I readily agreed to move into their house to take care of Pepe the Golden Retriever, Scampi the Labrador cross and Smudge the cat. I adored every moment! I loved planning where to take them walking each day and I still have fond memories of our times at Druridge Bay.

Life continued to forge ahead and from 2001 I worked as a primary school teacher, specialising in the education and care of four and five year olds. I dearly loved each precious class of young children and always endeavoured to educate each child with love, care, discipline and respect.

I have been lucky enough to have gained much satisfaction, joy and fulfilment from teaching young children and will always have a place in my heart for each child who passed through my care. Whilst happily teaching I yearned for a dog in my life but knew it was neither practical nor fair for me to own a dog.

And then Lilo was born!

A friend and colleague had the most beautiful black Pug puppy and from the moment I met her at 8 weeks old I was head over heels in love! I happily volunteered to look after her during her owners’ holidays and was allowed to borrow her for fun days out.

When Lilo was 1 year old I was informed that a new Pug puppy would be joining the clan…I was not ‘on board’ with the decision! I felt uncertain and nervous about meeting this new pup because I was convinced that I wouldn’t love her nearly as much as I adored Lilo.

But then little Aria strutted up to me, full of attitude and confidence…and I fell in love all over again!

Lilo and Aria became my furry, four legged nieces…I adored having them stay with me while their Mum was away and I would take them out on playdates just because I loved spending time with them!

I began offering to look after friends’ and colleagues’ dogs during the school holidays. Often there was no necessity for the dogs to visit me, but I would walk them and spend time with them simply because I yearned and ached to be with dogs. I developed a little pack of pooches that I loved dearly and would always agree to look after if I was able to do so. I felt honoured and blessed that their owners trusted me to care for their precious dog. I was lucky enough to be granted permission to take some of the dogs on holiday…Lilo and Aria were fabulous holiday companions when we went to Swaledale in the summer and Lady was the guest of honour when we returned to Swaledale for my 40th birthday!

Eventually it became established amongst all who knew me that I was a ‘crazy dog lady!' Friends and colleagues began suggesting that I do it professionally. I knew it was something I would love to do but I didn’t think I was the sort of person who would walk away from job security to set up their own business. That’s what other people do…but not me!

Hmmmm…it turns out that I am that sort of person!

Whilst I continued to love teaching early years’ children, the world of education became increasingly target-driven, laden with data and overwhelmed in paperwork. At the same time my passion for ‘all things dog’ became overwhelming…and so here I am!

Many of the skills and qualities utilised throughout my 14 years working with four and five year olds are very useful and relevant when caring for dogs; love, care, respect, discipline, patience and understanding.

The idea of offering dog walking and home boarding services became a plan and the plan became a list of jobs and tasks to be undertaken in preparation for my new business.

I bought insurance, attended pet first aid training, traded in the 3 door coupe for a more doggie-friendly vehicle, read and researched numerous websites of other dog walkers, made the back yard a dog safe and friendly space, created this website and social media accounts, successfully underwent police checks, volunteered with a local dog walking business, invested in various dog paraphernalia (crates, beds, blankets, leashes etc), designed and purchased business cards, sought advice from business advisory services, registered with a local veterinary hospital, sought legally verified contracts and gained a licence from the local council (NAB/228) which allowed me to officially board dogs in my home.

And after all of that…Ta dahhh! The very proud owner of Woofus!

Over the following three years I focussed upon growing the Woofus family. My partner of 19 years, saw how happy I was and he loved meeting and getting to know each of the dogs. Neil was increasingly spending his annual leave and weekends accompanying me on dog walks and he loved it when there were dogs boarding in our home.

And guess what?! Neil joined the Woofus family full time in September 2018!

It is said that to be truly happy and successful in life that ‘you must do what you love and love what you do.’ We truly love dogs. We believe they are good for the soul and that they enhance our lives in so many ways.

Presumably you are reading this because your dog(s) are precious family members…much loved and adored. You will certainly want your beloved dog to be looked after by someone who will bestow upon them love, care, patience and understanding. I hope you feel confident after reading my story that every dog in our Woofus family is treasured and will receive each of the above in abundance!

Hopefully you feel a little more informed about my background, the sort of person I am and how I ended up being a proud member of the Woofus family!

Thanks for reading,

Jemma