A CANCER survivor turned pet carer has started her own business after finding her passion during treatment.

Eve Arnold, 57, from Sible Hedingham, has set up her own pet business, specialising in looking after anxious dogs.

After being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, during her treatment Eve opted to volunteer at AA Dog Rescue Centre.

It was here she noticed the behavioural patterns of many of the rescue dogs, who were struggling with anxiety.

It is also where she met her own dog Cristal, who Eve has worked a lot with to help improve her anxious behaviour.

After being given the all clear following six months of chemotherapy and three operations, Eve explained how she came out with a new perspective on life.

She said: “It really opens your eyes and makes you appreciate life.

“I just really wanted to do something that I enjoyed and was passionate about, so I started up my pet business.”

Eve has had her business for six months, working full time and currently having 20 clients.

She walks and sometimes just sits with different dogs to help others whilst they are at work, or out with their family.

Halstead Gazette: Happy: Eve came out of her treatment with a new perspective on life, now running her business full time. (Credit Dave Knight)Happy: Eve came out of her treatment with a new perspective on life, now running her business full time. (Credit Dave Knight)

Following the lockdown, Eve noticed many dogs that were bought or rescued during this period were anxious, as lockdown meant owners couldn’t easily socialise them with other people and dogs.

She said: “Some of the dogs were frightened to go out into the world after lockdown similarly to how humans were.

“Also, with people now needing to go back to work, I step in to look after them and help when no one else is around.”

Eve also gave some tips to spot anxiety in dogs and explained some of the ways she bonds with these dogs.

Some of the anxiety tells are things like pacing up and down; tucking their tail under, having their ears back; hiding away or shaking.

Sometimes the barks and growls can also indicate fear rather than aggression.

To help calm their nerves, Eve avoids direct eye contact with the dogs and gets down to their height rather than looming over them as this is less threatening.

She also recommended that owners observe their dog’s behaviour, stating that every dog is different and that these are just a guide.

She said: “Not everything works the same for every dog.

“You have to be patient and make sure to cater to the pet’s needs.

“It’s all about working to make them feel the most comfortable.”

You can learn more about Eve’s business at evesdogwalking.co.uk.