My Life With Animals

I’ve been surrounded by animals my whole life. Our first family dog, Flea Bag (nicknamed Peepee due to a very long house-training phase), was rescued by children on a busy roundabout in Barnsley while Mum was still pregnant with me.

Since then, I’ve shared life with mostly German Shepherds, a Doberman, and my mum’s lively Patterdales and Patterjacks. Every dog has taught me something new about patience, connection, and meeting animals where they are.

Bailey’s Legacy

Bailey was my soulmate dog. I lost him to lymphatic cancer in 2008, after 12 incredible years together. I wasn’t ready for another dog, but Bailey’s Dog Walking is his legacy. He lives on through everything I bring to your dog’s walks. The logo is a tribute to him, drawn by a close friend.

Professional Background

Before starting Bailey’s Dog Walking, I spent 16 years in the defence sector, working with senior military leaders, their strategic advisory panels, and other high-level decision and policy makers, including organising international strategic conferences. I was previously security cleared, handled sensitive, confidential information daily, and held an enhanced DBS.

I then worked for Wiltshire Police for 7 years in a civilian role, starting out typing taped interviews, court files and coroner files, then moving to the Crime Desk, taking crime complaints from the public and issuing crime numbers.

These roles demanded discretion, dependability, calm under pressure, and the ability to assess situations quickly — qualities I now bring to my work with dogs and the people who love them.

Why My Clients Stay for Years

Many of my clients have trusted me for years, often for the life of their dog. In some families, I’m now walking the third generation of pets. They know I’ll treat their dogs, homes and keys with the same care and respect as my own.

“The only person I trust to walk my dogs. Michelle just gets them.” – ZI

Beyond Dogs: My Horses and Sheep

My two horses, Moo and Echo, taught me everything about listening to animals. Moo was labelled difficult and needed “discipline” — I chose connection instead. She was ridden bitless until retirement. Echo, gifted to me at 19, took 18 months to believe in her own agency, she sadly passed away aged 26 in August 2025. Moo is now 27 and thriving along side the flock.

In 2022, a friend’s flock came to share our field. That’s when I met Baaaahbara (Babs) and Minty, a lamb who decided we were his family. His gentleness and joy changed our lives forever. I train him in agility and at 3 years old he’s exactly the same character! These animals are our family and they remind me daily that trust is earned slowly, through respect and kindness which is the same way I work with your dogs.

My Approach

I specialise in walking anxious, fearful, reactive and sensitive dogs in Cricklade and the surrounding villages. I offer solo and enriching group walks, always tailored to the dog in front of me.

With over 2,000 hours of training and CPD in dog behaviour, animal observation, learning theory, psychology and trauma-informed practice, I know how to support dogs who need more than the average. Many clients say I “just get” their dog — my ADHD often helps me notice what others miss.