Michelle paws-itively loves new challenge
Venture taking off
A former Royal Navy reserve who spent time volunteering at an animal sanctuary in Namibia has started a dog walking business in East Kilbride.
Michelle Davidson, 41, worked at Na’an ku se Wildlife Sanctuary in Namibia 11 years ago while her husband was posted to Afghanistan.
However, the East Kilbride-based bank worker is now using her animal care skills back home by starting her dog walking/cat sitting business – Paws ‘n’ Claws.
The mum-of-two said: “It was my opportunity to do some more good. I am an ex-Royal Navy reserve too, and I had already been in Iraq by this point.
“I have always loved animals, but I was never allowed anything more than a goldfish, so when I had the opportunity to work with animals, I jumped at it.
“It was a really lovely experience. We would feed meerkats, prepare food, take care of lions and cheetahs, and maintain fence maintenance.
“One time, we had to rescue a baby zebra, who had got stuck in a fence, and its mother had left it.
“I even slept, and showered, with a baby baboon called Bobby, because his mother had been shot by a farmer. He was one of the baboons we had been called to rescue.
“Every night, there were mighty rain showers. It was definitely an interesting experience.
“It could be quite scary at night, especially the first couple of nights, because you could hear grumbling noises, coming from the lions.
“It sounded like they were right outside your tent, but in actual fact, you can hear them from miles away.”
Michelle started her business and has noticed that there is a demand for it in the area.
She said: “I work for a bank full-time, and this dog-walking/cat-sitting venture is my second side hustle alongside my vintage furniture repair business.
“I thought it would be good to get some extra income as I am working at home and I’m walking my dog anyway.
“I have literally just started this week, but I have potentially two clients so far. “There seems to be a need for it because I am getting a lot more interactions than I expected.
“Although I work from home for a bank, and as much as I need to run my two kids about, I still need to take my dog out, so if I can help people while doing that, then I am glad too.”
To get in contact with Paws ‘n’ Claws, you can reach them on their Facebook page.
I am working at home and I’m walking my dog anyway