Meet Ellie...

Hi! My name is Ellie and I believe it's super important to know who you're pup is being trusted with, so here is a little about me :)

The beginning...

Every great story has a beginning, middle and end, whilst my “end” continues to grow, here is where it all started…

Fife, Scotland is where my passion and love for animals was ingrained. From my mum who has always treasured and adored all kinds of animals to my grandparents who bred beautiful Boxers… My journey with animals was inevitable. 

By the age of 3 I had already fallen in love with our rescue pup ‘Harry ‘, who was a mixed breed bundle of love, our house bunny ‘Phoebe’ and I caught the pony fever with the help of my Gran and Grandad Bruce. 

My childhood...

Fast forward to 2008 when we moved down south to my mother’s routes. It didn’t take long for animals to be the centre of my life again. Gifted a pair of Guinea pigs, ‘Charley and Marley’ by my Nanna and Grandad Hayden, I began learning the responsibility of looking after small animals from the age of 5. 

Surprise, Surprise the pony fever was still there, and being the very lucky girl that I am, I was given the opportunity to take up horse riding. I believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without the confidence and compassion this hobby gifted me.

I am forever grateful for my little Strawberry roan pony ‘Maverick’ and my beautiful black Mare ‘Ellie’. These ponies looked after me and were beyond patient with me, and I always repaid them with a big smiley face and lots of cuddles everyday after school.

Enter Russell

In 2015, Russell, the most amazing, handsome dog had entered my life and changed it forever. This boy had a golden soul that brightened each and every day. It was my first real hands on experience of having a dog of my own, I became his human and he went everywhere with me. Including the day I impulsively took on tennis - he even dressed up with me, however it turned out Russell was much better than me and I was better off holding a dog lead than a tennis racket… 

Many beach holidays were spent with our boy Russell and he loved it! Adventuring was his favourite thing to do, finding new routes and sniffs along the way. 

Starting my business in 2023...

Fifteen chickens, five Guinea pigs, three dogs, two pigs, two rabbits, two goats, two cats and my gorgeous loan pony later, I felt it was time to make my passion for animal care my career. 

Unintentionally, Russell's routes pet care services opened a year to the day that we lost Russell, though there were many tears at the time, his name brings me joy and a comfort to know that he is somewhat there with me along the way. 

Having attended Hartpury College and University, I had just achieved my Level 3 in Equine management, my Level 4 in Animal Science, as well as completing several first aid courses.

3 years in...

If you had told me back in 2023 just how much this little business would give me, I don't think I would've believed you.

Over the last few years I've been lucky enough to meet so many incredible people and, of course, their amazing dogs. I've watched nervous puppies grow into confident adults, lifelong friendships form between dogs who now race to see each other every morning, and I've been trusted with dogs through every stage of their lives.

There have been plenty of happy moments, but there have been sad ones too. We've said goodbye to some very special members of the gang, whether through old age or families moving on to new adventures. As heartbreaking as those moments are, knowing I was able to give those dogs fun, love and adventure right until the very end, whilst helping bring a little peace of mind to their families, has reminded me exactly why I started Russell's Routes in the first place. Every one of them has left a paw print on my heart.

Looking back now, I realise this business has become so much more than dog walking. It's become a community, a support system and a place where dogs can simply be dogs.

I'm incredibly grateful for every wagging tail, muddy paw print and trusting owner who has been part of the journey so far.

And as for what's next... I've recently started learning an exciting new skill within the canine world. It's still early days, so I'll keep you guessing for now... but I can't wait to share it with you when the time comes.

In the meantime I will do what I do best and create amazing bonds with my clients dogs and give them the love and care they all deserve. I am so lucky to have created a job that I love and look forward to everyday, even on the rainy days all your pups make my day shine !