Meet the Hook & Paw Team

From as young as I can remember, I’ve always been drawn to dogs and their ability to put a smile on your face. Their general positive attitude towards most things really ties in with my own personality!

A bit of background first. I was brought up in a small village in Aberdeenshire, surrounded by nature, and went on excursions into the countryside almost every weekend, regardless of the weather! I moved to Edinburgh for university and studied civil engineering. After completing my master's degree, I have worked on the Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing for the past four years as a civil engineer. Ever since I started my job, I always felt like there was something missing, and I often didn’t feel fulfilled at the end of the week.

After taking some time to consider how to address this issue and adding my own furry friend to the family, I had an epiphany. I realised there’s nothing that brings me more happiness than walking and playing with my dog and the other dogs we meet on the way.

Ever since, I’ve walked several dogs of all ages and just love seeing how the dogs socialise and enjoy the small things in life. I think we could all take a lesson from them!

I have attended dog first aid and emergency response courses and am always seeking more qualifications related to canine behaviour.

Not to be corny, but I honestly feel like looking after and enhancing the lives of animals is my life calling. A lot of people forget about animal's mental stimulation, and it isn’t always easy to fulfill this or even identify it.

I really hope to give the dogs under my care more than just a walk. I hope to enrich their lives a bit more by taking them to new places, encouraging socialisation where appropriate as well as pushing their boundaries if they feel comfortable. Who knows, your dog might be a secret circus performer or master scent tracker!