About Us
Meet Olivia
Hi, I’m Olivia, mum, stepmum to five brilliant kids, and owner of one very cheeky (and occasionally infuriating) spaniel who keeps me on my toes.
I grew up on a small farm on the west coast of Ireland, surrounded by cats, dogs, hens, cows, goats, horses, and the dreaded geese (if you know, you know). I’d rush home from school every day just to spend time with the animals, despite being allergic to cats, which has never stopped me from cuddling them anyway.
Eventually, I swapped muddy boots for city shoes and moved to London, working in a bank for several years before heading “up north” to Cheshire. I fell in love with the countryside and the slower, friendlier pace of life, it reminded me of home. The truth is, the country never really leaves you — I still dream of having my own little farm one day, and I’m manifesting it daily!
After Covid, and when my dad was diagnosed with cancer and given six months to live, everything shifted. It made me take a hard look at what truly mattered. I realised I wasn’t fulfilled, and I missed the simplicity and purpose of being around animals. So, I did the scariest and best thing I’ve ever done — I quit my job and followed my gut. I set up Muddy Paws Adventures, combining my love for dogs, the outdoors, and a good bit of mud!
Fast forward four years, and here we are. Muddy Paws Adventures has grown into a small but mighty all-girl team, offering the same love, care, and attention I’d want for my own dog. Along the way, I’ve thrown myself into learning everything I can — from canine first aid and canine body language to resource guarding and separation anxiety, and the list goes on.
The dogs I walk have taught me more about patience, trust, and joy than I could ever have imagined. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade muddy paws, soggy walks, or slobbery cuddles for anything.
- Fully Insured
- Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
- Level 3 Award in Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
- IMDT 1 Day Canine Body Language
- IMDT 1 Day Canine Aggression and Rehabilitation
- IMDT 2 Day Career As A Dog Trainer Course
- IMDT 1 Day Separation Anxiety
- IMDT 1 Day Abnormal Repetitive Behaviours in Dogs
- IMDT 1 Day Resource Guarding
- Centre of Excellence Pet Bereavement Counsellor Diploma
Meet Lauren
Hello! I’m Lauren — I’ve always been passionate about animals and have lived with them for as long as I can remember. Mainly dogs (of course), but growing up, my parents never quite knew what creature I might bring home next. Over the years, I’ve had everything from Labradors (Tess and Cookie) our Cockerpoo Blu, to hamsters, rabbits, and the odd escapee gerbil.
These days, I share my life with my Patterdale mix, Tucker. And it was Tucker who really changed everything for me.
We rehomed him rather naively, thinking, “We’ve done this before, how hard can it be, right?” Famous last words. Tucker arrived with a few… let’s say quirks. He was reactive to all sorts, wheelie bins, hay bales, fallen fences, loud noises, you name it, he’d find it suspicious. He also had some resource guarding around food and toys, and wasn’t thrilled about grooming or vet visits.
I threw myself into learning everything I could about behaviour and reactivity. I read countless books, watched hours of training videos, and slowly began to understand him. Through time, patience, and consistency, we worked through his issues — one step at a time. It wasn’t easy, but the progress we made was incredible. It sparked something in me, a real passion for helping other dogs (and their humans) build the same kind of trust and balance.
I'm passionate about helping dogs safely fulfil their natural breed instincts, teaching advanced level obedience to enable owners and dogs to live in harmony,, and offering advice and support to owners who are going through a similar journey to mine..
More recently, I have been studying canine behaviour, completing courses with the British College of Canine Studies in Advanced Canine Behaviour, and I’m lucky enough to work alongside a trainer I’ve admired and respected for years, Jimmy Allen, who continues to inspire and push me to keep learning.
Before joining Muddy Paws Adventures, I spent 12 years working in the NHS, but animals have always been my constant. Being outdoors, learning from the dogs, and helping them thrive — that’s what truly fulfils me.
- DBS Checked
- Fully Insured
- Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
- IMDT Professional Dog Walking Certified
- IMDT 1 Day Canine Body Language
-
- British College of Canine Studies Dog Law Certification
Meet Vicky
Hi, I’m Vicky, the newest member of the Muddy Paws Adventures team! I’m a mum to my amazing autistic teenage daughter, Lucy (you might see her out and about with me sometimes), a wife, and a proud fur mum to our black lab Oscar, tuxedo cat Minnie, two guinea pigs (Mikey and Buddy), and a cheeky rabbit called Oreo.
I’ve always been surrounded by animals and completely adore them all. As a child, I was forever wandering off usually to chase after a dog or cat I’d spotted down the road!
After leaving school, I studied Animal Care at Myerscough College in Preston before pursuing a career in human nursing. But my love for animals never went away, and when a friend mentioned an opening at Muddy Paws, I knew I had to go for it. I’m so glad I did!
Liv and Lauren have been incredibly welcoming and supportive, and it’s clear how much heart and dedication they pour into what they do. I’m excited to be part of such a caring team and can’t wait to learn and grow alongside them.
So far, I’ve met some truly wonderful, funny, and delightfully crazy dogs, and I’m loving every minute of it! I’m really looking forward to meeting even more of our lovely four-legged friends (and their humans, of course).