I thought I’d introduce myself and tell you about how I ended up working in the holistic pet health space.

My career working with animals began quite late, I was 30 when I started an intensive course in dog grooming. I’d always wanted to work with animals so better late than never!

Back then, there wasn’t many grooming schools around, unlike today. I travelled to Somerset for an intensive course, a while later I was offered a job there.

I sold my flat in Brighton, left my job of 8 years and moved to Somerset to begin my new chapter. It was scary leaving a secure position, my friends and city life but I soon realised I’d made the right decision and my new career was going to end up being far more than just a job.

It felt so rewarding doing something that was necessary for dog’s health. It wasn’t just about aesthetics, for me it quickly became apparent that the health and welfare of the dogs was where my interest lay.

Over the next five years I spent all my time studying, gaining qualifications, including the level 2 and 3 in Dog Grooming, City & Guilds LCGI and then the Higher Diploma in dog grooming, meaning I could become a member of the Guild of Master Groomers. At the time there were only around 30 people in the whole of the UK holding this award.

I then went on to  gain a teaching qualification enabling me to teach and assess, sometime later I became an examiner for City & Guilds. 

When I began grooming I was shocked at the amount of sick dogs I met. So many dog’s with chronic issues such as skin and ear problems, cancers, anal gland issues, kidney disease, gut problems and thyroid issues to name a few!

At around the same time as this I got my first dog, Mustard, a Staffie cross. He came from the local rehoming centre and had a difficult start. I did everything a ‘good’ pet parent should, I fed him ‘quality’ kibble, used flea and tick treatments every month, wormed him every 3 months, vaccinated him. I did all of this because that’s what my vet suggested, it’s what adverts on tv and in magazines told me to do.

I didn’t question any of this, why should I? It didn’t even occur to me that I should. 

Over time Mustard developed some health and behavioural issues and after repeated vet visits, numerous different tests including  blood tests, x-rays, an endoscopy and a behaviourist, it became clear that we had exhausted every avenue with conventional treatment. I was frustrated and feeling hopeless that my poor dog was suffering and I couldn’t help him. I knew there was something wrong but there must be other options, this couldn’t be how he has to live his life. 

This seemingly hopeless and stressful situation led me to search online for answers and pointed me to a holistic vet called Dr. Nick Thompson. I didn’t even know what a holistic vet was then but I was desperate so thought, what have I got to lose? 

It turns out this meeting would be the most important appointment I would ever have. I have him to thank for introducing me to the power of nutrition and opening up a whole new world of alternative, complementary care.

From that day I was fascinated, it was the start of a new passion. I spent my time self studying nutrition, learning about alternatives to conventional medicine. I discovered Catherine O’Driscoll, another amazing advocate for our animals, sadly no longer with us but she was so inspirational and opened my eyes to much of the horrors of the pharmaceutical industry! 

I knew this was what I wanted to do, I wanted to help pets be as healthy as possible, I was so frustrated and felt sad every day having to work with dogs who were struggling with all sorts of problems. I was also really angry, angry that our pets are suffering because of outdated practices, poor advice, a veterinary industry that is treating symptoms, not causes and greedy food corporations who are focused on profit over health.

The next few years were spent training and becoming a certified Canine Massage Therapist with Julia Robertson at the Galen Therapy Centre. This knowledge provided me with an understanding of not only health but also behaviour and the connection between this and the physical state. It was a blessing and a curse, I now understood that many of the dogs I worked with were also suffering musculoskeletal issues, which would be causing them pain and discomfort. 

The more I was learning over the years, the more frustrated I was becoming. I just wanted to make a difference, to help all of these dogs lead healthier lives. I decided I needed to take a new route, I wanted to provide a service which gave me the opportunity to spend time with pet parents, to be able to find out about their pet as an individual and to be able to support them  to make informed, healthier choices. 

This prompted me to formally study nutrition and gain the OFQUAL certified Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Canine Nutrition and completed the Mentorship Program under Caroline Griffiths and Katie McCaul to enable me to become a Registered Associate with the Association of Pet Nutrition Consultants (APNC).

I’ve spent the past 20 years, reading, attending seminars, talks and conferences. I’ve learnt so much about holistic health, nutrition and wellness not only from studying but from all the pets I meet everyday at work and of course all of my dogs and cats who I’ve shared my home and life with over the years. (Most of whom are pictured in this blog).

They’ve not only been my best friends and my purpose in life, they’ve also been the best teachers, each one has presented new challenges and experiences, which at the time were often confusing, frustrating and sometimes heartbreaking but ultimately gave me the gift of knowledge, experience and wisdom for other pets to benefit from. 

I know firsthand how difficult it can be to try doing the best for your pets. It can fill you with guilt when you feel you’ve got things wrong but with so much information available it’s difficult to know where to turn. 

I love being able to guide pet parents, helping you avoid some of the pitfalls I’ve experienced, helping to simplify the confusing world of nutrition and wellness and witness your pets thrive as a result.

So this is where I am now, I split my time between grooming and nutrition consultations. I’m finally fulfilling my dream of being able to use my knowledge and experience to improve the health and lives of your pets. 

If you’d like to find out how I can help you to support your dog, please get in touch.

Tina Clyde 💚

http://www.pennviewpets.co.uk