Meet the team
Sophie - Owner/ Director
Hi I'm Sophie, the Owner of Ribble Valley Paws Limited
I decided to set up Ribble Valley Paws in 2015. After being brought up around animals all my life from having my own pets to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife and setting them free back into the wild, there was nothing more that I wanted to do than to set up my own business and create something that I would enjoy that involved animals. The thing that means the most to me is providing happiness and trust for pets owners and pets within our care. Here at Ribble Valley Paws we really do treat pets like our own from lovely walks up the fells or rivers to pampering them.
One of my favourite places in the UK is the Lake District after spending most of my childhood weekends sailing and climbing mountains with the dogs. Over the last few years I have travelled to many different countries and Canada would be my dream place to live!
In 2018 I worked over in Tärendö, Sweden 80 km north of the Arctic Circle training and looking after Sled Dogs, since then I have visited Svalbard, Norway in 2020. There are many more Arctic adventures on the list!
Over the years I have completed Level 3 City and Guilds Diploma in Dog Grooming, Canine Health & First Aid Course, Canine Behaviour Training Diploma, Animal Psychology Diploma and many more.
I currently have my own dog - Diego who is a Siberian Husky (shown in the photo above) who is coming up to 4 years old and I've had him since a puppy. We often go for long walks around the Ribble Valley or the Lake District and he loves Canicross! I am a strong believer in rescuing pets and often raise money for charities and help support them by offering free dog grooms/walks.
If you'd like to ask me any questions - feel free to do so on the meet and greets that we offer!
Charlotte
Hi! I'm Charlotte. I've been here since April 2018 after previously working in a care home full time. I always used to take my own dogs in and loved to see the residents faces when they saw them. It made their day.
I decided to have a career change as being inside all day wasn't for me and wanted to spend more time with my own dogs, as they could join me on some of the group walks.
I've had dogs most of my life (I'm 30 this year eeekk) and couldn't imagine my life without them. They become part of the family and have their own personalities.
I've had Harvey (border collie) since he was 12 weeks old and his most favourite thing is to play fetch. If he can't find a toy he will pick up a leaf and leave it at my feet.
I've had Pip (Jack Russell) since she was 18 months old. I was told she was an outside dog but she loves to sleep under the duvet with me. She can be a little fiesty at times and loves to be the boss and put other dogs in place.
And last but not least, Toby aka Tobias (lhasa apso). I've had him since he was 12 weeks old and is such a softie. Since he was little he's always had a little grumble when he's been cuddled, like a cat purring. He loves his lie ins and will complain if we have to get up early. He always has to have his 10 minute cuddle in bed before we get up.
I love spending time with your dogs and welcoming them into our family. This isn't just a job to me. I'm proud to be apart of the Ribble Valley Paws Team and love watching it grow over the years.