After 19 years as a professional youth worker, I reached a point where I felt ready for a complete change. I loved my work, but I knew I wanted to build something that brought together my passions, my skills, and my desire to help others in a new way.
Youth work came naturally to me. I loved supporting, guiding, and empowering young people through some of the most important and challenging years of their lives. Watching them grow in confidence, resilience, and independence gave me a sense of purpose that has stayed with me. I’ve always believed everyone deserves support, no matter their background or circumstances, and youth work aligned perfectly with that value.
I poured my heart into the role. I cared deeply about doing a good job and being someone young people could rely on — someone in their corner, helping them find their way.
Those years shaped who I am. The patience, communication, understanding, and ability to read behavior that I developed now flow naturally into the care and rehabilitation I provide for the dogs who come to me. The work is different, but the heart behind it is the same.
Swimming has been part of my life since childhood. I completed every badge, every level, every qualification I could. The water was always where I felt confident, calm, and completely myself. I once swam 10 miles — 620 lengths — in a charity event without touching the floor. The adrenaline and emotional rush were unforgettable. I swam seven days a week and loved completing my lifeguard qualification; that one was my favourite.
My journey into canine hydrotherapy began with my own dogs. Tywin, our German Shepherd, needed hydrotherapy after cruciate ligament surgery. When we brought home Myia, our Staffy cross, she started swimming at just 11 weeks old. Four and a half years later, they still swim twice a week.
Watching their progress — their strength, mobility, confidence, and joy — opened my eyes to how powerful hydrotherapy can be. Myia, who had a difficult start in life, found freedom in the water that she never felt on walks. We later discovered she had serious medical issues, and without early swimming, her symptoms would be far more complex. Hydrotherapy, massage, physiotherapy exercises, and small amounts of medication now help us manage her condition.
Tywin is now 10 years old. Following his cruciate ligament rupture repair five years ago, his twice‑weekly swimming sessions have helped him avoid the hind‑limb issues commonly seen in German Shepherds.
Seeing the benefits in my own dogs made me realise I wanted to help others experience the same. I decided to combine my lifelong love of swimming with a new path in canine wellbeing.
I completed my Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy, including the advanced treadmill module. Wanting to go further, I am studying Level 3 Diploma in Canine Massage (RQF)
