19/03/2025
Almost 10 years ago I started Doonhamer Dogs...our logo is our original crew plus Chay, one of our current babies..all 4 have left for Rainbow Bridge, so much has happened in a decade..we met so many wonderful dogs and their guardians, we have met dogs that were deeply troubled and managed to help turn them into confident, happy dogs. We met dogs who were in the wrong hands and homes, we met dogs that years later still break my heart because I know that their lives are miserable. We walked dogs for free because walks with us were the only ones they got even though the owners had the means to have someone look after them or do it themselves but simply didn't care enough . We had dogs that had nails so overgrown, they struggled to walk, causing issues with their backs. This dog was petrified of the vet or anyone else touching his feet so I spent months practicing with him and sorting his feet...again, for free! We advised for free, made training plans for free, offered free training because again, the owners couldn't have bothered to help their own animals. We took some on weekends with our dogs, for free, we drove to customers houses at 11 pm at night because the dog was ill and the owner asked for support to go to the vet..for free. We visited a poorly dog for weeks daily to hand feed him after he fell very ill, while his owner stood watching...for free. We went against our gut instinct, letting a dog off lead as the owners asked us too and ended up losing said dog for 7 days and nights in the snow and ice ( dog was found alive and well 🙏) and were attacked after by someone who tried helping to find the dog.we got dragged through the mud for weeks online, slandered and attacked. we made mistakes, we learned. We had to wrestle a disturbed large dog while he was literally killing a smaller dog in our care...we searched for dogs for hours after they took off after a scent, we spent hours in the rain, washing dogs outside after they had decided that fox poo was THE fragrance to use.
We lost clients after years because we could not keep our mouths shut about the way their dogs had to live . These dogs are on my mind often and this has been the hardest part. Have I been perfect? Absolutely not, but I always tried my best. I walked a few dogs weeks after open heart surgery, with a broken sternum and a handmade, cushioned chest plate to protect myself because one owner would have just let her dog not be walked for months until I had recovered. We walked with strains,sprains, Injuries like many of us do. The physical impact but mainly the psychological one has been huge and has affected all aspects of our lives.sadly, for 6 years I have now struggled greatly with my health. I have been misdiagnosed for 6 years and after finally finding a doctor who gives a damn, I now have a diagnosis. My heart is damaged and I have been very poorly. Doonhamer Dogs will now hang up the leads in a weeks time. I am relieved not having to battle through excruciating pain and all the other negative things that come with this job but..I am also absolutely heartbroken. The last few doggies we have still on our books (after we had to reduce numbers ) are part of our family. We have known most of them from when they were puppies...10 years, 9 years, 5 years..1,2 or 3 times a week. Not seeing them again..I can't think about it too long or I crack up. We lost 3 precious babies and not a day goes by that I don't think of those 3 girls who gained their wings.
I love them dearly and they really are "my" extended family.
I pray that they get good dog walkers who do the job for the right reasons and love them as much as I do. I will try and catch up with them every so often. Thank you to all my customers over the years, thank you to all who supported us but the biggest thanks goes to our 4 legged clients...you all taught me so much, you made me want to learn more, to be better, to do better . I will never stop speaking up for what I think is right even when it makes me unpopular. my thanks also goes to Sarah Sorbie of canine cues for being my bestie and for her expertise and guidance when I was stumped or needed doggie advice. Thank you to Emma Maxwell of Kirkgunzeon Canines for letting us use her field and for supporting us. Please be kind to your animals, give them as much of your time as possible, they only have you! We make all decisions for them, when they get fed, walked, played with...please look for and take advice if needed and ...do your research! This sector is unregulated and many bad and harmful eggs are out there..some very close to home. Listen to your gut when you look for a walker or trainer. Most trainers here are neither qualified, knowledgeable or kind..some are actually and have caused great harm to dogs for years and don't care about changing, learning or doing the right thing.
Hold your doggies tight, tell them you love them and give them all of your heart..the way they give their hearts to you..forever!
Milo, Lutza, Nikos, Jess ...thank you for being my inspiration and reason for starting this business.you are missed more than words can say.
Tina xx
