“Being a Wagging Tails franchisee is certainly a rewarding career move”

Alexis Bennett is a former headmistress who launched her franchise in January 2016, seeking a new lifestyle with her family in the Gloucestershire countryside

“I grew up in Wales and Warwickshire so I am a country girl at heart,” says Wagging Tails Gloucestershire franchisee, Alexis Bennett. “I enjoyed the freedom of the countryside and we had many pets, including four lovely family dogs. My ambition, when I was a little girl, was to work with children or animals. Yes, I know… they say never do either!”

“I qualified as a teacher in 1996 and spent 19 wonderful years teaching children of all ages in the Midlands, London and even had a short stint in Sydney, Australia.

“My most recent role was as headmistress of a wonderful preparatory school in North West London. Although I loved my years as a teacher, I have missed the countryside and animals, especially for the last fourteen years whilst living in London. In particular, dogs were missing from my life.”

Following her move from London to Cheltenham in the Gloucestershire countryside, Alexis happened upon an article in Good Housekeeping about Lisa and Wagging Tails. Within a couple of days, she had met with Lisa and Jim to find out more about the Gloucestershire franchise opportunity. A few months on, she and her partner welcomed Brea, their baby Beagle, into the family and Alexis also launched the Wagging Tails Gloucestershire franchise.

Discussing her experience of launching and running her franchise Alexis said: “It has been busy, exciting and a bit of a whirlwind! I love spending time with Brea. Taking her to work to meet prospective carers and new doggy friends is a real treat, as well as being an essential guide when deciding upon who makes the perfect carer. After all, if Brea feels comfortable in their home, is greeted with open arms and can roam freely around the house and garden with her nose to the ground, in that Beagle way, I know my prospective carer is likely to become a member of the Wagging Tails GL team!

“I have met fantastic carers and owners with varied, interesting lives; some have their own dogs, some have owned many different breeds and there are always stories to share.

“Being a Wagging Tails franchisee is certainly a rewarding career move.”