ABOUT ME

Dogs have been part of my life for more than 20 years. I got my first dog, Pokey, in 2006, and we had 16 wonderful years together. Hudson came into my life in 2022. Although technically he was the rescue, I often say that he rescued me while I was finding my way through the loss of Pokey.

Alongside my life with dogs, I spent more than 20 years building a successful career in finance. I enjoyed the challenge and got to work with some great people, but it often felt like something was missing and over time I found myself wanting to do something that mattered more to me.

That led me first to wellness coaching, and then to an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology, where my interest in how dogs can support human wellbeing really began to take shape.

My final MSc project, Paws for Connection, brought those interests together. I explored how dogs can facilitate everyday social connection and how those opportunities might support wellbeing.

Having completed my MSc, I wanted to learn more about dogs and the human–dog relationship. That led me to enrol on a Dog Training Instructor course as the first step towards developing my knowledge and experience in dog behaviour.