A woman who runs a Southampton-based small dog walking business in memory of her pomeranian has been named the south's best.
Andrea Lampard founded the business after a life-changing journey with her dog, Kobi.
Specialising in small breeds and spaniels, Small Paws Outdoors stood out among 18 competitors in the southern region’s Dog Services category to win Dog Walker of the Year.
Andrea adopted Kobi, a pomeranian, whilst living in Oman in 2015.
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When it was time to return to the UK, she and Kobi faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge.
"Unable to fly with Kobi in the cabin directly to the UK, I embarked on an epic 28-hour adventure across multiple countries," said Andrea.
"With the help of a dear friend, we navigated planes, trains, and cars, finally crossing the English Channel via the Eurotunnel."
When Kobi later developed a chronic respiratory condition, Andrea left full-time office work to spend more time with him and launched her own dog walking business.
Since Kobi’s passing in 2023, Andrea continues to see Small Paws Outdoors as his legacy.
She said: "Though Kobi lost his battle in May 2023, the experience opened my eyes to the unique challenges faced by dog owners, especially those with small breeds.
"Inspired by my love for Kobi and my desire to help other pet owners, I founded Small Paws Outdoors during the COVID lockdown."
Fully insured, DBS checked, first aid certified, and committed to ongoing learning, Andrea also offers GPS tracking for peace of mind.
“Small Paws Outdoors is Kobi’s legacy”, Andrea says. “I am so honoured to be recognised for the services I bring to the people of Southampton and their beloved pets.
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Small Paws Outdoors specialises in enrichment-led dog walks tailored to small breeds and spaniels, with a strong focus on wellbeing, individual needs, and a calm, respectful approach.
The Animal Star Awards were founded in 2016 to give recognition to humans and animals alike for the extraordinary things they do for one another.
To celebrate the award win, Small Paws Outdoors is now opening up new spaces for group walks and also has some exciting adventure walks planned for the high-energy dogs that require more than a standard walk.
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