A local dental care professional has swapped canines for Canines and launched Cheshire K9 in a major career change.
Heather Gibbs (45), is swapping dental canines for canines of the four-legged variety.
Heather, who lives in Bramhall, has trained her own dogs for the past 15 years and competed in dog agility and gundog competitions for over three years. She has now taken the leap to turn her hobby into a full-time job with a new dog walking business, Cheshire K9.
Heather put her toe in the water earlier this year when she founded Cheshire K9, initially as a dog training business that she ran part-time in the evenings and at weekends. Such has been the popularity of the classes (she currently has 51 dogs in training) that Heather felt she should go full time and from January she will be offering a new dog walking service.
Talking about the new business, Heather said,
“I love training dogs and working with their owners; it’s a real passion of mine. I know that many people are crying out for a good quality dog walking service that will ensure their canine companions are well cared for and entertained when they are away from home.
“I have two dogs and a full-time job. I am fortunate that my parents live locally and dog sit for me during the day. Other people aren’t as lucky and don’t have people nearby who can step in. That’s where Cheshire K9 will help from January and I can’t wait!”
Heather, who is a member of the Kennel Club and has participated in their dog obedience displays at Crufts in 2016 and 2017, holds diplomas in dog training, canine nutrition, puppy training and canine behaviour. She also holds certificates in canine first aid and dog law.
She continues,
“I guess you would describe me as a dog nut. I just think that I am so lucky to be able to turn my love of dogs into a career. It’s like that famous quote – choose a job you love and you will never do a day’s work in your life. That’s going to be me!”
Heather attended The Manor School in Cheadle Hulme and then studied at University Dental Hospital, Manchester and Salford University where she qualified as a dental care professional, dental radiographer and oral health educator. She has worked at the Edgeley Dental Practice for 22 years.
Heather is married to Dave and the couple have a Working Cocker Spaniel, Isla and a Show Cocker, Lottie.
Photo caption: Heather at Bramhall Hall with some of her clients’ dogs