How it feels to be named ‘Dog Walker of the Year’
A surreal moment
It was the May Bank Holiday weekend and I was getting ready for the Animal Star Awards. Part of me was excited, the other part a little nervous. I sent a message to the other finalists asking if they felt the same. I was already feeling honoured to be named a finalist in the Dog Services category – it felt like such an achievement to get that far. I felt proud and excited, yet privileged to be recognised alongside other amazing pet professionals.
As the evening arrived, I felt calmer. It was lovely to catch up with some of the other dog walkers in Southampton, as well as my friend Larni from Ava & The Wolf – a local supplier of nutritious, natural dog treats and chews.
We were all sitting at our table enjoying our starters, when the awards presentation kicked off. To my surprise, the second announcement revealed ‘Dog Walker of the Year’ in the Dog Services category, taking me aback that it was so early in the evening. I felt almost unprepared.
Suddenly, I was caught up in the moment, celebrating and feeling ecstatic that one of my fellow dog walkers from Southampton was awarded Highly Commended. I was so elated for her to be named, especially as she’d been feeling exceptionally nervous in the lead up to the event.
Then, what felt like only seconds later, ‘Dog Walker of the Year’ came up on the big screen. I remember thinking, “How exciting, I wonder who it will be?” as I looked towards the other dog walkers sat with me.
And then it happened. The words “Small Paws Outdoors” came over the microphone and onto the screens around the room. I looked at my husband who was sitting beside me, and I just stared at him as if to get validation that I hadn’t just hallucinated. “Omg, it’s you!!” he exclaimed, ushering me to get up and collect my award. Somehow, I made it to the stage, managing to compose myself without turning into a blubbering wreck. I feel emotional now just thinking back to that moment.
Once I was on stage, I just froze. Only my husband knew that I was terrified of public speaking and being the centre of attention. It’s ironic really because I will chat for England to anybody who will listen. And I’m always chatting away to the dogs on our walks. But in a room filled with hundreds of people, all eyes on me? Panic attack central!
On reflection, I feel extremely gutted that I hadn’t had the courage to say more and to thank everyone who helped make this happen. But most of all, I wished I’d been able to dedicate my award to Kobi, because if it wasn’t for him, Small Paws Outdoors simply wouldn’t exist. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to write this blog post: to have the chance to thank everyone who made this dream possible and to acknowledge Kobi’s part in all this.
What are the Animal Star Awards?
The Animal Star Awards were set up in 2016 by animal lover Mary Burgess to recognise the amazing things animals and humans do for each other. There are more categories than any other animal-related awards in the UK, and each one is judged by a panel of industry experts. As well as the main winners, the awards also recognise highly commended finalists, helping to raise awareness of the brilliant work being done by so many people (and their animals) behind the scenes.
Remembering Kobi: the heart behind Small Paws Outdoors and what this recognition really means
It’s hard to put into words how much winning this award means to me. The story behind why I founded Small Paws Outdoors is a deeply personal one, and to receive recognition for my dedication to the health, happiness, and enrichment of the dogs in my care is something I don’t take lightly.
I‘ve always been an animal lover. Even as a child, I could never grasp why people didn’t seem to understand them. I’d always felt like I had this strong connection to animals, like I was on another wavelength to everybody else. That’s why running Small Paws Outdoors isn’t just a job to me. It’s a passion that’s grown from love, loss, and wanting to do things differently.
Small Paws Outdoors is Kobi’s legacy. When I first adopted him back in 2015, I had no idea the trials and challenges we would face, or how much he would shape the person I am today. That little dog taught me so much about resilience, strength, and the unique health needs that small dogs often face. Being able to serve as a reliable and trusted dog walker for other dog parents in Southampton brings me so much pride and joy, and to have that dedication recognised feels deeply meaningful – not just for me, but as a tribute to Kobi and everything he inspired.
From Kobi to Cavaliers: why small dogs matter
As a small dog walking specialist, Small Paws Outdoors isn’t your typical dog walking service – it was born from my own personal experience caring for Kobi who was a toy breed. From the very beginning, I quickly realised how delicate these smaller dogs can be and how important it is to understand their unique needs and vulnerabilities, as well as the particular health conditions they can be prone to.
That’s why I chose to specialise in walking small dogs. I wanted to create a service where they could feel truly safe and comfortable, yet still have their needs met. Walking spaniels came naturally as part of this journey when I started to walk Cavaliers, Cockers, and spaniel mixes who all fall into the small breed category.
I soon discovered those typical spaniel traits and became fascinated with their little quirks and personalities. What struck me most, is how much the toy breeds warmed to them. My walks started to feel calm and structured, enabling me to tailor my walks with a strong focus on enrichment.
Thank you to all my human and doggy clients
Small Paws Outdoors creates a space for the dogs to be themselves: to sniff and explore, to feel safe and heard. Being recognised for this feels like a quiet but powerful validation that a gentler, more individual approach matters. It tells me that choosing to specialise in small breeds and spaniels, to tailor walks to their needs, and to put emotional wellbeing at the centre of everything I do was the right path. It’s taken a lot of hard work, determination, learning, and heart to build something that feels true to my values, and it’s an achievement I can feel incredibly proud of.
Yet winning Dog Walker of the Year isn’t just about me. I couldn’t have achieved all this without my wonderful clients and the trust they place in me every day. To be seen and appreciated means the world to me, and I am truly grateful for their support.
What’s next for Small Paws Outdoors?
Becoming known as an award-winning dog walker in Southampton has come at the perfect time – just as I’m opening up new walking spaces. This will provide even more small dogs and spaniels in Southampton and surrounding areas the opportunity to enjoy gentle, enrichment-led outings that earned Small Paws Outdoors the title of ‘Dog Walker of the Year’.
I’m also revisiting an idea I considered a few years ago: introducing longer adventure walks and a possible membership option. It’s become clear that some of the more energetic dogs would really benefit from outings that go beyond the standard walk – something a bit more challenging, fulfilling, and tailored to their needs.
These plans are still taking shape, but one thing that won’t change is my commitment to compassionate, enrichment-based care. Whether your dog joins for a gentle group walk or an extended adventure, they’ll be treated with the same patience, understanding, and focus on wellbeing that Small Paws Outdoors has become known for.
More than just a title: growing with purpose as an award-winning dog walker
Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.
– Maya Angelou –
Each day, I carry the motto “Do Better.” It keeps me grounded in what matters most: showing up with compassion, staying curious, and always looking for ways to improve. Dogs are often misunderstood, and I believe we owe it to them to keep learning, keep listening, and keep doing better by them.
For me, winning the award isn’t just about being recognised. It’s a reflection of the care, consistency, and compassion I put into my work every day. I take great pride in showing up for my clients and, most importantly, for the dogs. Reliability, kindness, and doing right by each pup will always come first.
New spaces now available with the ‘Dog Walker of the Year’
With very limited lunchtime spaces remaining, I’m now opening up new morning slots, so if you’ve got a small dog or spaniel who’d benefit, feel free to get in touch.
If you’ve got a high-energy little explorer who might thrive on longer adventure walks, just let me know. I’m starting a waiting list and would love to keep you in the loop!