Pets Go Walkies, pets and me
My name is Kari. I have lived in Cardiff for 20 years but originally I am an English northerner from Warrington, Cheshire.
I started Pets Go Walkies dog walking and pet sitting in Cardiff during September 2007.
I have always loved animals. Growing up I had many pets that I adored. My first was a fish named Flipper who lived for 10 years, which isn't bad for a goldfish. During Flipper's lifetime he had many tank mates; Fredda, Fred, Flapper and Flicker, but none had the same staying power as Flipper.
I also grew up with rabbits, 2 tortoises, budgies, hamsters and guinea pigs and we also inherited my grandma's toy poodle, Pim, who was proper misbehaved but lots of fun to be with for an 8 year old.
My first cat was called Monty, a lovely black & white moggy.
I have had many pets since then. Currently I live with a 17 year old ginger & white fluffy cat called Sox whom I brought home from Cardiff Animal Shelter 7 years ago.
Throughout my life, whenever family, friends, housemates & neighbours have gone on holiday I have usually been the one they have asked to care for their pets while they are away. Thus I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know many animals.
In the last couple of years I have also volunteered for The Cinnamon Trust which has involved walking dogs in Cardiff as well as pet sitting cats.
I have spent much time studying the care of dogs, cats and small pets, pet first aid and dog training techniques as well as dog & cat behaviour.
I decided to start Pets Go Walkies because friends and family have told me how their cats & dogs have loathed having to go into dog kennels & catteries and would come back seeming unhappy, off their food and really not themselves at all for a few days or so afterwards. Some had even come back with illnesses which led to the pet having to endure more stress with an expensive trip to the vet.
Yet I know how difficult it can be to ask a friend or neighbour to come by and look after your pets when you are away. You worry that you are imposing on them and whether they really have the time to give your pets the attention they require or whether they have enough experience to be able to care for them like you do.
Thus I felt that pet sitting would be more appropriate than dog kennels & catteries for many pets. Plus I knew that these days people are working longer hours and so are often in need of somebody to care for their pet or to take the dog for a walk.
Besides this, I knew it would be the best job ever, getting to meet & hang out with dogs & cats & other pets; what could be better?
