01/11/2025
Yesterday was the end of an era for Tails of the Braes as we had our last walk and I have now officially hung up my leads and retired.
Nine years ago I was sitting up the Braes on a sunny afternoon with Calvin by my side and I decided there and then that I did not want to go back to my old life of Banking or the office grind and that I would combine two of my favourite things … dogs and walking. Fast forward a few weeks and I was driving a little white van and starting out on the best 9 years of my working life. From a very small beginning we became ‘Tails of the Braes’ and I have been so fortunate to have not only had the very best dogs entrusted to my care but I have also had the kindest clients too. I really did hit the jackpot!
I have learned so much from my dogs, each and every one if them is unique and very special to me . We have sadly lost some boys and girls along the way however they will all have a special place in my heart and will never be forgotten. A dogs love is unconditional which is very often exhibited with some very sloppy kisses and they always knew when I was in need of an extra cuddle and never failed to deliver. I can honestly say that my dogs have supported me throughout the years as has the wonderful dog walking community that I was blessed to be a part of . What can I say about this amazing group of people ? We have laughed, cried, hugged,fallen in mud, climbed fences, literally picked each other up and you have all been the best ever bunch of angels to me. I honestly could never imagine a more supportive community.
It is so difficult to put into words how I felt yesterday knowing that I was setting out on my last ever group walk and I just didn’t want it to finish but as the saying goes all good things come to an end. In true ‘Tails of the Braes’ fashion I ended up on the ground surrounded by my very best furry friends. Some of my boys and girls are retiring with me and the others are moving on to new walkers . I know that they will all have a fabulous time with their fabulous new walkers and that they are all in the very best hands.
I honestly could not have started out on this journey without the support, courage and belief that my own family gave me at the very beginning of my adventure and have continued to do so until today. It really was a leap of faith for all of us and I still remember the day that we came up with the name for the business and from then there was no going back. I love you all dearly and do appreciate everything that you have done for me including the many bowls of hot soup made by Andrew who is my rock. I can’t not give a special nod to little Calvin who gave me the inspiration in the first place. Everyone knew Calvin and he has definitely left his paw print behind on many hearts.
I just want to finish by saying a huge very heartfelt thank you, which seems so inadequate , for the beautiful cards, gifts and the kindest words from everyone, it really was overwhelming and although I shed a few tears yesterday they were happy tears. You have all shown me so much love over the years and please know that each and every one of you means the world to me .
Time now to move onto whatever fun lies ahead which is very exciting. I am looking forward to holidays, lunches and coffees with friends, spending lots of time with Andrew, Kirsty, Richard and my special little people Eilidh and Blair.
FaceTime chats to Gavin and Lauren now that we can synchronise the Aussie time gap as I will be available in the mornings which is their nights and a visit next year to see them and give them the biggest squeeze. I am sure my sister Helen will be happy to have me visit her and her amazing dogs in Ayrshire too so I will be kept busy.
So this is the last of our daily ‘tails’ and I just want to finish with the biggest thank you from me to each of you for the last 9 years 🐾 💕 x
