Taking The Lead

Wendy’s dog, Molly

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Wendy Rose, who moved to Rochdale in March to live with her partner, set up Taking The Lead almost four weeks ago. The business, which is in its early stages, provides people with a dog walking service tailored to fit the dog’s needs and requirements.

Wendy said: “I’ve always loved dogs and I’m out with my dog everyday so it seemed like a sensible idea to start this business.”

The motivation behind Taking The Lead is partly down to Wendy’s dog, Molly. Wendy adopted Molly six years ago from the RSPCA and described her as “a timid, frightened and poorly little girl when I first took her home” but after nursing her back to health; Molly is now a wonderful dog who is loving, energetic and intelligent.

“She is a credit to me,” said Wendy.

Wendy also looked after Smudgey, her partner’s dog who was also a rescue dog. Unfortunately Smudgey died suddenly at age 15.

Taking The Lead is the first business that Wendy has run. After working as a qualified nursery nurse for twenty years, Wendy became unemployed after moving to Rochdale. Through using the job centre to find employment, Wendy spoke of her ideas and love for dogs and got the opportunity to enroll onto the Chamber of Commerce’s' New Enterprise Allowance Scheme.

Wendy added: “The help the scheme offers has been very valuable. Without them, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to start the business.”

Taking The Lead opened on 1 October and is currently finding its feet in the business world. Wendy said: “It has been a very slow start but it is something I have never done before so I am excited. It is a learning curve and hopefully the rewards will start to come.”