Introducing Helen from Belle's Pet Minding
We Walk Dogs will be profiling our members on a rotational basis. We hope you enjoy getting to know your fellow Dog Walkers and Pet Minders a bit better!
Q&A With Helen
Click here to visit the Belle's Pet Minding Web Site
Name: Helen McCallum
Company Name: Belle's Pet Minding
Services Offered: Pet Minding, Dog Walking.
Service Area: Northern Gold Coast.
If I could be any breed of dog, I would be (and why): Probably one of the small terriers. They are all so pampered. I would love to be fussed over and taken to be groomed every week!
My most memorable momen, (or moments) of being a Pet Carer: My very favorite job hence my most memorable moment is Sukey the cat. Sukey used to live in an apartment overlooking the beach at Mermaid Beach. Early morning and late afternoon sitting with Sukey curled up on my lap, watching the waves roll in. Now that really is a dream job! Not to mention watching the surfers getting in and out of their wetsuits (not that I look!).
My not so memorable moment (or moments) of being a Pet Carer: Getting locked out on a first floor balcony. I was looking after a bird and I had gone out onto the balcony to water the plants, and the sliding door locked behind me. It was to high up to climb down and even if I could I had left the keys in the back of the locked front door. I was able to call out to a lady in the next apartment block and she rang a locksmith. I spent a very hot two hours waiting for him to arrive. The locksmith cost more than the job paid.
The biggest lesson I have learnt: Never leave keys in the back of the door. Always put them back in my bum bag.
My approach to my business and clients: I take great pride in what I do and I think that shows. I often get comments about my eye for detail and the little extra things I do.
How I begun in the Industry: I had been a Medical Receptionist since I was 18. When I moved to the Gold Coast 5 years ago I thought it was time for a complete change. About 3 years ago I registered my business name, got my ABN, got insurance and put an ad in the local paper. I have been working flat out ever since.
What makes my service individual: My commitment and high standards. My love of animals and believing that it doesn't matter if they are the first job of the day or the last. Everyone deserves the same level of care.
Quick Questions:
Is picking up dog poo really that bad? No. I only wish everyone would pick up after their dogs and not be so lazy.
Do you feel appreciated for your work? Yes, I love what I do and the animals all respond so well. That is all the appreciation I need. It is so nice to be loved.
It is really a ‘dogs life’? Yes, How good is it to be a dog? You get to go for walks on the beach and in beautiful parks. You get treats and everyone makes a fuss over you.
Should dogs not be walked in a group or pack? I personally don't walk dogs in packs. I believe that each owner is paying for my time and each dog should get my individual attention.
Should pets be sold in Pet Shops? A pet is a commitment for life. In a perfect world a pet shop owner would question people more carefully to stop people buying on impulse.
Do you think Pure Breeds have more health problems that Cross Breeds? Yes, Most of the pure breeds that I have had have had more problems than their cross breed counterparts.
Do you care that your car is always filled with fur (and dog drool on the windows)? No, It is part of the job. I always have tarps and blankets to cover the seats that way I can take them out and wash them each week.
Does the Pet Care Industry (in a whole) require more regulation? Yes, It seems a lot of people think that this is an easy job. They don't realise that it is a 7 day a week come hail or shine job. There seems to be a lot of people setting up without being registered or insured.
What do you think of the following statement: ‘Dogs have Masters, Cats have Slaves.’ No, I have lots of calls from people that need someone to pet sit their dog because that have a dentist or hairdressers appointment and their dog can't be left alone. If that not being a slave to your dog what is?
Has walking dogs made you fit? Yes, It gets me out there doing what I should be doing and I get paid to do it. You have to love that!
Do you believe in the use of check chains on dogs? Yes, in some cases it helps control a dog. It would be good if owners did a little homework into which collar would suit their dog best.
Thanks Helen!
Click here to meet Suzie from Pittwater Pet Minding Service
Click here to meet Geoff from Furkidz
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