About Wings and Things

Wings and Things has been a long time in the imagination of its originator, Louise Jones, who was forced to use the services of a Dog walker during the Foot and Mouth crisis of 2001.

Although the services provided were second to none, it was felt the cost was high and that more owners would use such services if prices and services offered were tailored to individual needs. Ultimately - this would enable more pets to get the best care that they deserve and not the second-best care that their owners can afford!

I started my working life at the age of 15 yrs, working for the local RSPCA kennels, voluntarily. I carried out my cleaning duties with pride, working weekends and school holidays!

At 16 yrs I started a YTS scheme at Witton Country Park, working with the small mammals. This placement saw me undertake work experience in various animal collections including Blackpool Zoo!

2 yrs Later I ventured North of the Border, to Edinburgh Zoo. Life as a big cat keeper was tough - mighty scary at times, but oh so exciting!

During the 7 years I lived in Scotland, I also worked as a Manager for a large pet superstore, and as a keeper in a Local Authority - run children's zoo.

In 2002 I came back to Clayton-le-moors and began my teaching career - lecturing on Animal Management courses to FE students.

Then in 2007 came my biggest challenge ever - the birth of my son!! I have struggled with being a mother and working as a Lecturer since returning to work in the summer of 2008. The New Year being the time for new beginnings - I have decided to end my teaching career in order to pursue my own business Pet Sitting!

The following is a list of the various courses I have undertaken, and the qualifications I have achieved:

City and Guilds Zoo Animal Management
Customer Service NVQ Level 3
Eukanuba dog and cat nutrition
Rural Animal Handling
In-service Teaching certificate
Yr 1 of FdSc Animal Welfare and Behaviour

As well as my career history, my experiences with my pets more than makes me qualified to look after other people's animals!! In the past I have owned more pets than a small zoo! My collection has been down-sized in recent years, and to date I am owner by:

Betty my Shire
Scotia black lab
Scrappy Yorkie x JRT
Bean Guinea Pig
Blackie and Brownie Beveren Blue rabbits (BIG ones!!)