DUKINFIELD’S Benn Rochford was “over the moon” to receive not one but two nominations for the 2020 Animal Star Awards for his business Pud Puds Pet Services.
The Animal Star Awards is considered the BAFTAS of the animal world and is an annual celebration that recognises animals and humans alike for the extraordinary things
they do.
Pud Puds offers dog training, walking and pet sitting services among others, and predominantly works with pets which have behavioural issues to help combat negative stereotypes.
And although he was not crowned a category winner, Benn, 36, still considers making it into the top 10 from more than 500 nominees a massive achievement.
He said: “When I was told I had been nominated, I thought it was a joke. I was aware of the awards and the prestige surrounding them, and I honestly thought someone was winding me up.
“I actually phoned Mary Burgess, who founded the awards, to ask her if it was genuine. I was shocked when she said it was, and when I was told I’d made the top 10 I was gobsmacked.
“I didn’t think I did anything special with Pud Puds, but it was certainly a nice surprise to think that there are people out there who found a lot of value in what I do.
“I work with all types of pets, but my main focus is working with those with behavioural issues that aren’t suited to mixing with others in day care, or on group walks for example.
“As a side arm of the business, I set up the Wary Woofers Club through which I’m hoping to combat the negative stereotypes associated with dogs that are anxious, reactive and so on.
“It was this that prompted one of my nominations from Tasha Attwood. I’ve no idea who the second person was to nominate me, but I’m very grateful to both for the recognition.”
• For a full list of the 2020 Animal Star Awards winners and highly commended, visit animalstarawards.com