A Thanet DJ has taken a new career path prompted by the loss of her dog Sonny last year.
Lucy-Marie South, from Margate, says when Staffy Sonny died in October at the age of 14 she “felt helpless” and impelled to learn much more about pet care and training.
The former Hartsdown Academy student, 20, had been DJ-ing since she was 18 but now runs Pet Services Thanet, offering dog walking, training and pet sitting.
She said: “I was in the world of music, working as a DJ for nightclubs, weddings, and special events, But when I lost my beloved dog, Sonny, my whole world changed. Losing him gave me a new perspective on life and made me realize just how much animals mean to us and the incredible bond we share with them.
“Losing him left a void that made me rethink my path, their unconditional love inspired me to create a business dedicating my time to helping other pets and their owners.
“Whether it’s dog training, walking, or simply giving pets the love and attention they deserve. I’m so grateful to have found a purpose that lets me combine my love for animals with a commitment to serving my community.”
Lucy-Marie, who had previously completed a hair and make-up course at Broadstairs College, threw herself into gaining qualifications and is also insured and DBS checked.
She added: “In addition to my qualifications, I’m also certified in animal first aid and CPR and animal behaviour which means I have the skills to help with behavioural training and offer advice on pet care.
“I pride myself on building trusting, long-lasting relationships with both pets and their owners.”
Lucy-Marie says one of her heroes is master dog trainer Graeme Hall who fronts Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly on Channel 5.
She said: “I’m inspired by him and want to be just like him. One of the things I enjoy is when I have people who think they need to rehome their dogs because of issues but these can actually be sorted through training.
“There are things like when a puppy barks and people laugh because they think it is cute but that might cause problems in the future.
“I like to help people so they don’t feel they need to rehome their dog.
“And I enjoy dog walking and pet sitting, it can be hard for people to find someone they trust to do that.”
For the last 4 years I have been campaigning against the Police NOT having any Domestic Dog Expert Officers, instead they depend on a charity, the RSPCA to deal with dog ill treatment. The RSPCA are NOT a branch of the police! They are not publicly accountable. They are NOT accountable to the police. They are definitely NOT obliged to enforce the Animal Welfare Act, and mostly don’t. In fact I have a letter from the RSPCA saying they are only accepting cases in an emergency, and an animal is likely to die. This means, and I have proof, any cases of dog ill treatment reported to them being ill treated will not be accepted! And before anyone gets started, I was once elected an RSPCA Trustee, and Know of what I speak. So if anyone reports a dog being ill treated to the Police, or even TDC do not accept it if they tell you to report it to the RSPCA, because as a charity they are not legally responsibly for animal welfare! It is the police’s job to enforce the law, the Animal Welfare Act! I am at present lobbying the Home Secretary to ensure nationally the police employ expert Dog Officers in every force, and importantly, somewhere seized dogs can be kept. At present most private kennels are full of….XL Bully Dogs!