Pendle News Room

But Olivia Lund Wright who lives in Laneshaw Bridge has walked miles and miles since setting up Happy Trails Dog Walking venture on March 1st last year.
Despite successive lockdowns she is convinced it’s the best thing she has ever done!

Olivia was working as a teaching assistant in a local primary school, but was suffering from anxiety and knew something needed to change in her life.

Counselling helped, but when her partner suggested she should start a dog walking service she decided to give it a go!

“No one predicted the year that we’ve had, but I have absolutely loved my new business,” said Olivia.

 "I collect the dogs in a morning from regular clients and we enjoy trails in and around the Pendle area.”

Walking the dogs has improved her life in all ways, being good for her mental health and for her weight, the pounds dropping off with all the extra exercise.

She has also loved learning all about the dogs she walks and their likes and dislikes.

 Olivia has had lots of support in helping to get her business off the ground, a community of fellow dog walkers on a WhatsApp group share tips and customer referrals.

 Matalan in Colne, where she works part-time to boost her income has also been really good at fitting her hours around her dog walking commitments.

Dean Langton, Pendle Council’s Chief Executive said:

“Although lockdown has been very tough for many people in Pendle, it’s good to hear that for some, like Olivia, it’s given them chance to pause and take a positive new direction in their lives.”

And there have been more exciting changes to Olivia’s home life during the pandemic as she got engaged on August 29th and her wedding is planned for July when she hopes more restrictions will have lifted.

For the latest details on the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown and information on staying safe visit www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus