Grace walks 10 miles a day as a professional dog walker in Spalding – and is celebrating the seventh anniversary of the business
The owner of a dog walking business which lost everything during an enforced two year break in Covid says she’s finally back to doing her dream job.
Grace Allen, 26, of Spalding, decided to launch her own business, Taking the Lead, after discovering a gap in the market in 2017 – and can now walk up to 10 miles a day.
The Lincolnshire based dog service was forced to take a break from January 2021 until April 2023, as households were advised to stay at home and not mingle during the pandemic.
Sadly Grace had to step away from the business while all of the restrictions were in place – which had a devastating effect but it has now bounced back.
She said: “I pretty much lost everything within a two week period. People’s working habits changed, many people were made redundant or had reduced hours and understandably some people also had to prioritise money in different areas or they just had no money at all.
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“This unfortunately put a stop to my work but after taking that time to refocus, the business is now back to how it was pre-covid.
“One of the benefits I've found since coming back post covid is that quite a lot of my clients still work from home which allows them to be flexible and helps me fit everything in.
“I have also taken on a lot of clients who bought dogs during covid and that has helped me get back into a steady flow.”
Taking The Lead currently has clients based in West Pinchbeck, Spalding, Pinchbeck, Surfleet Seas End, Moulton, Weston and Holbeach St Johns.
Grace said: “Some days I can walk up to 10 miles in a day, it’s all a bit mad to be honest and no two days are the same. I could do with cloning myself or having a few extra hands!
“When I look back at how far the business has come in seven years, I get a sense of achievement. Having gone through covid, it makes you appreciate things and really sit back to reflect on everything – it’s pretty cool really.”
Taking The Lead customers are given a choice of three services which range from £7 – £16, with the most popular being a 30 minute walk. There is also a 15 minute or 45 minute walk available – depending on the breed and age of the dog.
Grace added: “I look after a selection of different dogs which all come from different backgrounds and I find it really rewarding when I get to work with rescue dogs. They are often shy and reserved so when I get to see them come out of their shell it’s really rewarding and it’s definitely one of my favourite parts of the job.
“I have worked with more than 150 dogs over the seven years and its such a sense of achievement to think it’s been going for so long.
“I just love to see dogs do what they are bred to do and they each have their own quirks and I get to indulge in that, by doing this as a job.”
For more information and to book an appointment, visit the Taking The Lead Facebook page or contact Grace by calling 07354 867319.
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