Two days ago I received an email from the Pet Industry Federation to say I’d been shortlisted as a finalist in the Dog Walking Business of the Year category in their annual industry awards. Not something I was expecting to be honest, especially as apparently they’d received a record number of entries this year, so quite frankly I didn’t think I had a hope in hell of being a finalist. But, here we are!

It’s a bittersweet one for me for sure, as four weeks ago tomorrow we lost my lovely dad, one of my biggest champions and greatest supporters. My lifelong love of animals, nature and wildlife definitely came from my dad – some of my fondest childhood memories are adventure walks and bird watching in the countryside with him. I’m very grateful I had a dad that taught me so much.

I’m obviously thrilled (and more than shocked) at the news I’m one of six finalists in my award category, but also sad that my dad’s not here for me to share my news with. I’m lucky enough that he never missed an opportunity to tell me he was proud of me, so I know this would be no exception.

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) is a trade association for pet businesses, committed to supporting businesses of all sizes, so it’s really special to be up for an award amongst my peers and fellow pet professionals.

The winners of all the categories will be announced on Thursday 5th November at a ceremony in Stoke-on-Trent. I doubt very much I’ll scoop the award, but being a finalist is enough for me. This one’s for you dad.