Little Gizmo inspires plan for vegan dog day care
COUPLE NEED £5,000 TO SET UP BUSINESS FOR MEAT-FREE MUTTS
MANCHESTER could soon have its very first vegan dog day care centre.
There are plenty of places in the city for pooches to have fun while their owners are at work, but as yet, none cater specifically for meat-free mutts.
Couple Janna Dobson and Rachel Shevlin want to change that – and offer dogs with a vegan diet a place to go.
But they need £5,000 to get the business going – and have launched a crowdfunding bid to make their dream a reality.
Janna and Rachel plan to name the centre, in Ancoats, after their pooch, Gizmo.
Gizmo’s Gremlins will offer full and half-day care as well as an array of vegan treats and eco-friendly dog toys.
Janna and Rachel – who already offer dog walking and cat sitting services – plan to set up a taxi service for pooches once the business is up and running.
They also want to team up with Manchester businesses and open a shop, a vegan cafe, a grooming parlour and a training space at the centre
The couple plan to hire homeless people as the business grows.
Janna and Rachel recognise that a vegan diet isn’t for every dog, but say Gizmo loves the way of life.
Rachel, 29, said: “It has aided her digestion and given her more energy.
“She really enjoys eating vegan food and seems to prefer it to animalderived products.
“Gizmo is a tiny, furry foodie and she is always trying new foods. She is our taste tester for the food we plan to feed to our guest dogs.”
The couple, who are both vegan, decided to turn their part-time dog walking business into a full-time venture after Rachel suffered a stroke.
The day care centre will also welcome non-vegan dogs, with prices starting at around £12 for half a day and £20 for a full day.
“Vegans are our main, slightly niche demographic, but we also want to cater for those who commute to work and prefer to have their dogs nearby,” Rachel added.
Janna and Rachel plan to eventually make all food at the centre themselves.
Gizmo eats all kinds of fruit and vegetables and is given her fix of carbohydrates and proteins in the form of grains and veggie dog food.
To donate, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/ gizmos-gremlins-a-pawtastic-vegandoggy-daycare/