MEET THE TEAM
KATIE
The Human
I grew up in a farming family and spent the majority of my childhood in nature surrounded by my dogs and various other animals. I always wanted to be a vet, horse trainer, or own a rescue, but I was told this wasn't possible or didn't pay well enough.
Following family health problems I went down the mental health route and that has been a part of my life for over 10 years now. In 2017 I lost a part of me when I was diagnosed with a long term condition - I forgot what else was important and frankly couldn't do as much as I used to do! I think you go through a kind of grief when these things come along; the loss of who you were before the illness and having to weigh up what can/cannot be done in a day. Luckily I'm now back working as a nurse and I'm finding my way back to me with the help of my amazing pups. What they've done for me is immeasurable. They reminded me of what I love and gave me the confidence to do it (as well as a few less than supportive people!) I guess this is me paying them back for how much they've helped me.
On top of Bark & Bramble, I've just started a degree in dog behaviour and I'll be opening a secure dog park in September. I never thought any of this would be possible at all, so I just want to say it's never too late to make a change!
Don't let anything or anyone let you forget who you are ❤️
PLUTO
Quality Control and Emotional Support
Pluto is the most gentle and wise dog I’ve ever known. My amazing best friend. Pluto was found abandoned in a field at around 2-3 months old. When his rescuer found him he was looking after a smaller unrelated puppy. That gentle, empathic side has never left him, and now he gets to look after his girl Luna (and us!) ❤️
Favourite treat: Chicken necks, feet, liver, and sausages!
LUNA
General Assistant and Pest
Luna is the funny one in the family. She is the most perfect mix of gentle and hilarious! Luna came to us as a very short term foster on her journey to her longer term placement. Her previous adopter only kept her a day 😞 As soon as she met Pluto it was love at first sight, so when she left we immediately realised she had to come back to join our family! Pluto and Luna are absolutely inseparable and we couldn’t have found a better match ❤️
Favourite Treat: Beef knuckles and hooves. Big treats for a little girl!
OBIE
Tough Treat Tester
Obie is our older boy who we rescued at around 7yrs old. He’s had the worst time of all, but is still the most loving and trusting boy. Obie was kept on a chain until he was around 1yr old (he still has the scars), before spending 6yrs in one of the worst shelters in Romania - sadly he was abused and starved there. When he came to us he was reactive to absolutely everything and just didn’t know how to be a dog. He still has his difficulties with dogs and people in the house, but he’s happy, calm, and loves learning. Surprisingly he’s the most obedient of them all!
Favourite treat: Deer legs, beef skin rolls, hooves, buffalo horns. He can get through anything in record time!