10/07/2026
☀️ It's another hot one this week, and all clients have now been contacted.
Where needed, walks have been rearranged, swapped for welfare visits, or refunded where that's been the safest option.
One thing you'll quickly learn about me is this...
I will never compromise a pet's welfare because of the weather.
If it's too hot to walk safely, we simply won't walk.
It really is that simple.
But there's something people don't often see.
Every time temperatures become unsafe, responsible dog walkers, groomers, sitters, boarders, all pet care businesses face a difficult decision. We either lose income or risk making a decision that isn't in the dog's best interests.
For me (and many others), there has only ever been one answer.
This week alone, I've lost almost £100 in cancelled walks. Previous heatwave, another £100....
The mortgage still needs paying. Insurance, fuel, training, business costs and everyday life don't pause because the temperature climbs.
Some pet care businesses include clauses in their Terms & Conditions that allow them to retain payment during periods of extreme weather. Some don't.
At the moment, I don't.
It's something I'll be reviewing as our summers become increasingly unpredictable, because I believe ethical pet care should also be sustainable. Running a responsible business means protecting both the dogs in my care and the future of the business that cares for them.
That said, something happened this week that genuinely reminded me why I love what I do.
One of my clients insisted on paying half the cost of their cancelled walk anyway.
Their message simply said:
"It's hard for dog walkers as the weather plays such a huge part. This is your income, and I don't want you to be out of pocket."
I'll admit...
I cried.
Not because of the money.
Because they understood.
They recognised that every cancelled walk is a decision made out of care for their dog, not convenience. They recognised that the space was still theirs and reserved for them only.
That kindness meant more than they'll probably ever know.
So, to every client who trusts me with their pets, supports my small business and understands that every weather-related decision is made with their dog's best interests at heart...
Thank you.
Your support allows me to continue building the kind of business I set out to create - one that's rooted in trust, thoughtful care and doing what's right, even when it's the harder decision.
And for me...
That's something worth protecting.
💜🐾
