Meet the team

Walkers

Sophie, MJ, Tamsin, Polly, Linda, Wendy, Susan, Mark & Caroline

Home from Home Carers

Linda & family, Polly & family, William & family, Rosemary & family, Mark & family, Jo, Wendy & family, Faye & family

In-Home Sitters:

Tamsin, Susan, Angela & Caroline

Pet visits and Feeding

Tamsin, Polly, Linda, Wendy, Susan, Mark, Caroline, Rosemary & Faye

I am Marie-Joelle, but the dogs call me MJ!

I am 48 years old although after a whole day’s walking I feel more like 84!!!

My life was turned upside down when I acquired my black lab Margaux as a puppy 6 years ago! Her health was not too good and I was finding it harder and harder to leave her (although in the care of my excellent dog walker Sophie!!!) and go to work. So one day I decided to give it all up and to become a dog walker and joined ranks with Sophie! Together we created Dogaerobics in 2002 and we have never looked back since!

I currently live in Hersham near Esher and cover the areas of Twickenham, Teddington, St Margarets, Hampton and Whitton.

Hi, my name is Sophie and I am 37 years old

My love of dogs began during my long standing involvement with horses. Nutmeg, my eight year old yellow Labrador would come to the stables with me from a tiny pup and help muck out (well what she thought was helping)!!! When she was old enough, she started to come out riding with me in the local parks, which she absolutely loved.

I started dog walking in 2000, managing to build up a fantastic group of customers, many of which are still with me. A couple of years later one of my customers, better known to most of you as MJ, took it upon herself to give up her ‘proper’ job and so we decided to team up, to form Dogaerobics.

I currently live in Staines, but used to live in Teddington, which is why my walking area is mainly Teddington and Twickenham.

My name is Polly

I live in Shepherds Bush with my husband Dom and daughter Maisie.

I was introduced to MJ and Sophie back in 2004 by a dog called Gus (a very clever dog!) and have been walking with them ever since. In addition to the walking we're always thrilled when someone furry comes to stay, as long as they're happy to share toys!

My name is Tamsin and I am 25 (Ahem!) 35 years old.

I live in Staines with my Jack Russell/border Terrier/fox combo!  All my pets have been rescues, including two Great Danes, Rabbits and numerous cats and it was only a matter of time before another waif and stray came my way who goes by the name of Sparkle!

My love of animals began when I was very small and soon gained a reputation in the Animal Kingdom for being a complete sucker!!! I’ve spent my younger working life in kennels, grooming and volunteering at a veterinary clinic, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

As I got older, my love of dogs took me overseas and I became involved with various animal organizations.  I took part in helping to fund projects that provided vaccinations and neutering for stray dogs in order to prevent suffering.  I also took a very active part in administering practical help. 

Then I grew up and realised I had to work 9-5pm!!!  I began dog walking because I love dogs. 

I’ve been a part of the ‘Dogaerobics Team’ since 2004 and love every minute of it.

My name is Susan and I am 52 years old.

I have always been a huge animal lover - as a kid I kept frogs, rats, tortoises, turtles, hamsters and a variety of cats and other creatures, even a hen and a pigeon, all in a third floor flat!  However, much to my disgust, my parents drew the line at snakes and lizards.

After many years of toying with my dream of working with animals I finally decided to take the plunge after meeting Sophie & MJ and the rest of the Dogaerobics team. I have worked as a PA to various celebrities for 10 years and find that, on the whole, my canine friends are far less demanding! 

I have lots of experience of caring for my own pets and friends' pets and love cats and dogs equally.  I was raised in Gibraltar although I have lived in London for 32 years and am married to Richard who is an architect.

My name is Wendy and I am 50 years old.

I share my home with my husband, 2 daughters (aged 12 and 14 who share my love of animals), 3 dogs (German Shepherd, rescue mongrel & Border Collie) and 2 cats. I have had a lifelong interest and passion for animals, commencing my working life as a veterinary nurse. My hobbies have always centred around the animal world with particular interest, study and experience in dog training and behaviour.

I have worked for British Airways for 27 years, for the last 10 in a part time position allowing me to pursue my true vocation and join the extremely professional Dogaerobics team. I have been full time with the team for about a year now. My training for this however started when I was 8 years old (longest apprenticeship ever) when I would walk as many dogs in the neighbourhood as I could get my hands on – from the very little to the very large!

Working as part of the Dogaerobics team I currently cover Staines and surrounding areas.

My name is Linda, I'm 53 and live in Esher with my husband, two teenage children and Izzy the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

After a very brief second career as a teacher, I swapped children for dogs and began dog walking with the Dogaerobics team in early 2005, hoping for a less stressful life! I have had great fun walking my dogs and Izzy is now a very laid back eight year old, who takes it in her stride that she shares her car, walks and, on occasion, her home with a selection of canine companions!

My name is Mark Isaia and I am 44.

I am a family man with two boys who take up a much of my time, enjoying Kayaking and many out door pursuits. I was introduced to Dog walking in 2006 whilst I was experiencing a transformation in my life, hence meeting my Fiancé and her wonderful King Charles Cavalier "Charlie". I have travelled most of my life working off shore in the oil industry in the Middle East. I also lived in New Zealand for 9 years so have lived life to the full!

Dog walking has surprised me, it is challenging, keeps me fit and also enables me to enjoy a family life. I was brought up on a farm with Labradors and know what a huge part of our lives all our dogs represent. They are indeed our true companions, worthy of all our love and care. I feel fortunate that I am able to work with such wonderful clients and work colleagues, with a true emphasis on " team spirit".

My name is Caroline and I am 32 years old.

I’m the newest member of Dogaerobics as I only met Sophie & MJ in January 2008! Until recently, I worked for a Beauty & Health retailer for 15 years before I realised how miserable the 9-5 life in the office was making me.  I thought long and hard about which aspects of my life made me happiest and came to the realisation that my love of dogs and walking would make great foundations for a total career change.

I live in Epsom Downs with my other (better?!?) half, and Duke my 11 year old German Shepherd cross.  Together we enjoy plenty of walks over the Downs and often find ourselves stopping at the ice-cream van – obviously just to recharge our batteries!

Dogs have always been part of my family life and I appreciate how very special they are – even the sometimes naughty ones!! I grew up with an Old English Sheep dog, and then we had 2 Labradors for 12 years. Nine years ago Duke was a rescue with attitude, but has turned into an OAP that loves his home comforts – he even stands in front of his duvet and stares at it intently to let me know that he wants to be tucked in!!  I admit that I am a bit of a soft-touch sometimes but the old boy deserves to be happy...