Everyone loves dogs right?
And if they don’t they probably should. But in order to afford our dogs (cats, horses, rabbits, hamsters, etc) we have to go to work. Leaving your four legged friends at home all day alone. That’s where we, Sy and Laura, found ourselves. Leaving home for a day at work feeling guilty about leaving the fur balls behind, and we realised we weren’t the only ones. So Walkies Professional Dog Walking was born.
Here’s a little bit about us and we’d like to introduce our pack to you.
Sy Williams aka Pack Leader
Hi, I’m Sy. I’m the main walker, hence ‘pack leader’ status. Walkies was my ‘baby’ and I am very proud of the company we have created. I’ve always loved dogs, and now getting to walk them every day is just awesome. I really enjoyed studying canine behaviour as part of my course in Professional Dog Walking through the British College of Canine Studies and I continue to study dog psychology. The Canine First Aid qualification I hold makes me feel more prepared for any eventuality. When I am not working, or walking our own pack, I can be found kitesurfing down at Westward Ho! or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
Laura Walker aka Second in Command
Hi, I’m Laura, the one behind the scenes. I look after the admin and marketing for Walkies. I have been a HUGE animal lover my whole life, we’ve had cats, dogs, horses, chickens and a tortoise in the past. So when Sy asked me to be part of Walkies I was thrilled. My main role at Walkies is to make sure you hear all about us, and to sort out all of the administration side of the business. When I get chance I lace up my walking boots and head out with the pack, and if Sy is ever unavailable I am back up! I am a keen photographer in my spare time, and love nothing more than getting ridiculously cute photos of dogs.
Charities
Soi Dog Foundation – SDF are close to our hearts after travelling in Asia and seeing the plight of the animals out there. Amongst their patrons are Dame Judi Dench, Ricky Gervais and Will Young. We chose to adopt our two cats, Rocky and Ivy, and our dog Silk from SDF. We continue to support the work they do and raise money for the charity. You can find out about their fantastic work, particularly in their efforts to end the dog meat trade, at www.soidog.org.
Cusco Protections for Animals – The charity work extremely hard in Cusco, Peru to fight for animals to have rights. They supported us with our adoption of Honey and we volunteered at the shelter whilst we were visiting the city. We are currently working with them in order to create an international adoption programme. Find out more www.facebook.com/cuscoproteccion.deanimales
North Devon Equine Rehoming Centre – NDER is closer to home and is the local charity that we support. They do incredible work for abandoned horses and ponies and work to rehome them. Looking after 50+ equines a day is a tough job but the wonderful Annabel and Lindsey do it with a smile on their faces. We regularly support their fund raising dog and horse shows. Find our more at www.facebook.com/North-Devon-Equine-Rehoming
The Walkiams Pack
Dogs
Silk, 5 years old, Thai Ridgeback
– Rescued from the Dog Meat Trade in Thailand by Soi Dog Foundation, Silk has been through a lot in her 5 short years.
Aster, 2 years old, Terrier cross (foster)
– Aster is a stunning tiny terrier cross, with blue eyes from Cyprus. She is currently with us as a foster but it might become permanent!
Others
Vega, horse, 3 years old, German Warmblood x Cob/Trotter
Ernie, rabbit, 3 years old, Lop Eared