A woman has battled back from a broken back as well as neck and head injuries to start her own successful dog care business.
Louise Lowrie, 30, of Saltash, Cornwall, was left battling severe injuries following a car accident in 2010. And after a long time in hospital and spending seven months in a back and neck brace, she could not return to her job as a marketing manager for Swansea University.
By her own admission, Louise didn’t have to return to the workplace but wanted to get her life back on track – and did so with the help of the Work Programme and a present from her parents.
She said: “It took a year or so to get back on my feet and I was on Employment Support Allowance because of my health so didn’t really have to go back to work. But I wanted to and the job centre sent me to Working Links for help.
“I had been given a black whippet called Wally as a present from my parents to help me through my recovery, which saved mew from the difficulties I felt. I really enjoyed looking after Wally so I had the idea to open my dog care business.
“Working Links gave me all the help and guidance I needed. They were there every step of the way, ensuring that I’d covered all the bases.”
Louise launched Central Bark Professional Dog Services last year, offering a range of services to canine owners in Plymouth and the surrounding area. Services include walking, doggie daycare, boarding and vet transportation.
She added: “It’s gradually built up over the past few months but now I’m really busy and have a plethora of dogs in my care. On average, I’m looking after about 30 dogs a week. It’s a fast-paced working environment but it’s more of a lifestyle than a job. I love it.
“I wouldn’t have been able to return to a job like I had before so this is perfect. As a result of the accident I now have Fibromyalgia and continue to take 48 tablets a day. An office job just wouldn’t be right for me. Being out and about and being active is good for my mental health too.”
Louise was helped at Working Links by personal consultant Abbie Clift. She said: “We could see from as soon as Louise joined us that she was going to make her business a success. She was great to work with and it’s great to see her business going from strength to strength.”
To find out more about Louise’s business, visit www.central-bark.co.uk or call her on 07522 404 955. To find out more about how Working Links helps communities, call 0800 917 9262 or visit www.workinglinks.co.uk
