Darlington woman celebrates 10yrs as dog walker for Petpals!

18th August 2017

L-R: Natasha Banks, Emma Craggs, Debby Bee, Lynn Stevens, Rachael Pattinson, Sandra Dye (flowers), Vicky Cumming, Noreen Beadle, Sallyann Gray (flowers), Diane Beadle and Andy Harrington

Petpals Darlington and Yarm has recently surprised a loyal member of staff, Sandra Dye (54) who this week celebrates her 10 year work anniversary.

Dog Walker

Sandra, who joined the fledgling company in its first week of trading in August 2007 started as a dog boarder for the franchise operation that now employs 12 full-time staff and who cares for approximately 300 dogs, 100+ cats and 20+ small animals a month.  A few months later Sandra became one of the company’s dog walkers and now divides her duties between walking and boarding dogs and helping out owners Sallyann and David with office administration, including running the business for them when they go on holiday.

Founder of the company Sallyann Gray said who, with the rest of the local team, surprised Sandra with chocolates, flowers and champagne as she was about to leave for her morning dog walk said,

Dog Boarder

‘I first met Sandra when we worked together at Sure Start in Darlington. When I left to set up Petpals she said, ‘if you ever you need a home boarder or a dog walker, let me know.’ Within a week I had taken her on as a dog boarder and within a year she was a full time dog walker for me as well.’

Mum of two Sandra is still walking and boarding dogs for Petpals, a job she says she loves,

‘Working for Petpals just fits in so well with my lifestyle. Our whole family love having the boarding dogs to stay, we’ve known many of them for years, some people even plan their holidays around when I can have their dogs, which is really flattering! When the boarding dogs arrive they fly in the front door, reflecting just how much they see it as their ‘home from home’, which in turn means their owners can go on holiday knowing their dogs are really happy. I also love having an outdoors lifestyle; today I’ve been down on the beach walking the dogs, so I’m keeping fit, playing with wonderful dogs and getting paid for it, what could be better?’

‘Lost without her’

David Gray, husband to Sallyann and himself the owner of neighbouring Petpals business continues,

‘Sandra has been through the highs and lows of setting up and growing a business with us and has been involved in recruiting and training the now 12 dog walkers covering the Darlington and Yarm areas. As well as her regular dog walking and boarding role, she also takes on special responsibilities for covering the business when we are away; we’d be truly lost without her.’

Pet carers

Sallyann concluded,

‘We’re a very close-knit team of pet carers; as well as work colleagues we’re all friends too and as such all the staff are going out to celebrate Sandra’s 10 year anniversary with a slap-up meal soon.’

ENDS                                                                                                                                                     AUGUST 2017

Our Petpals businesses are always on the look out for new staff so if you would like to become a dog walker or dog carer for Petpals, put your post code in the search box here  and contact them today.

Petpals has over 50 operations covering most of the United Kingdom. If you would like to know more about buying your own Petpals franchise. please click here for more information about how to make your dream of working with animals, come true. 

Cat Sitting Services        All Pet Services        Franchise Opportunities       Contact Us