Brinkley was our much loved black Labrador. He bounded into our lives at just 10 weeks old and changed our lives forever. To say it was a steep learning curve was an understatement! He was super intelligent and I think he trained me just as much as I trained him. He was a typical Labrador and ate everything in sight. I'd be able to write a book about all the things he ate over the years - luckily without any serious consequences!
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holiday with us and he soon became the best family dog we could have asked for. Then came the realisation that I was going to have to leave my boy at some stage in the near future as we had family abroad and I would have to return to work once my son started pre-school. If I felt like this, I imagine everyone else must too! I didn't want to leave my boy, I loved being with him, so I decided to look into my own dog walking and boarding business. This was the moment that changed my life. I loved it, Brinkley got to walk and play with his friends all day. He was a natural, welcoming all the different dogs into his home.
We joined Spring Park Dog Training School to gain more knowledge. I have now been one of the instructors at this well established local school for almost a decade.
Our first year was a rollercoaster, but he learnt quickly and so did I! We took him on
In 2015, Hunter joined our family. He was a 4 month old chocolate Weimaraner/Labrador cross. Brinkley welcomed him like he did all other dogs, but soon realised this one was a bit different as he didn't appear to be going anywhere!
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In 2018, Brinkley was now nearly 10 and I noticed that he was slowing down and his back legs were getting a bit weaker. I thought it was probably due to age but it had happened all of a sudden so decided a vet check was in order. When I picked him up the vet sat me down and explained that Brinkley had something called Laryngeal Paralysis. My world came crashing down. In that moment, I was devastated. However, I went away, researched and discovered that it was not the instant death sentence I thought it was. Decisions had to be made though. Brinkley could no longer go on the long walks with the other dogs and I couldn't leave him behind.
I started looking into what I could do, and that's when I discovered dog grooming. Perfect. I was
lucky enough to have the space at home for a salon and Brinkley could be with me all day! I went and did a trial grooming day and absolutely loved it, so I set out to do my City & Guilds qualifications. I qualified in 2019, and that's when Brinkley's Grooming was born!
In 2020, the whirlwind that is Hamilton joined our family. He is a Wirehaired Hungarian Vizsla and is totally nuts but absolutely adored his big brothers and loved his long walks with Hunter. He truly makes me laugh everyday.
Brinkley's Grooming has gone from strength to strength thanks to all the lovely people who have supported us.
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Sadly my beloved Brinkley passed away in January 2024. He died doing what he loved most.... eating! He gave us 14 years of life long happy memories that we will forever be thankful for.