A Cockermouth pet shop owner has been asked to judge a prestigious award at an industry event, writes Vince Brand.
Esther Felton opened Waggy Woofers on Main Street in June last year.
The store caters exclusively for dogs and now Esther has been invited to judge the Best New Product category at the Pet and Aquatic Trade Show in the UK.
After experiencing the upheaval of Covid-19, Esther seized the opportunity to turn her long-standing passion for animals into a business, encouraged by her fiancé, Dan.
She said: “I had a clear vision of what I wanted to offer: a specialised shop just for dogs.
“We pride ourselves on high-quality items and using our 10-plus years of customer service experience to provide a friendly and knowledgeable service.”
Esther began her career studying equine management and has since volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation centre in South Africa, worked as a zookeeper caring for rhinos, giraffes, small carnivores and primates, and even operated her own dog walking and home boarding business.
A qualified Level 2 dog groomer, she has held many fun agility and flyball classes, making her well-equipped to evaluate new pet products.
The invitation to become a judge at PATS is a testament to Esther’s dedication and insight into the pet industry. The event, known for its unique opportunities for suppliers and manufacturers, is set to showcase innovative products that enhance the lives of pets and their owners.
She said: “This is an incredible honour for us. We’re thrilled to play a role in recognising the best new products in the industry, and I can’t wait to see what exciting innovations are presented at the show.”
Esther is fully supported by fellow director and quality control tester – Maggie the border collie.
