This month Ponsonby News caught up with16-year-old local business owner Otta Rusholme, a home school student who started a daily dog walking service called Paws to Doors nearly three years ago in Grey Lynn.
How did you end up dog walking?
We couldn’t have pets in our rental property so I started playing with walking a neighbour's dog, we really hit it off and the dog loved our time together. As I walked it a few times a week people saw me and started asking if I could collect and walk their dog whilst they were out all day working. I soon realised I loved having my little group of dogs and it was a service people really liked, having a reliable local and personal approach unlike some of the bigger more mechanised dog walking businesses.
How is Paws to Doors different from other services?
I do home pick up and the dogs spend no time in big vans. I am very flexible, people sometimes work from home last minute and I will often get a text saying can you swap to tomorrow or I'm home sick with a child and we don't need you today. Obviously affordability is a big thing, especially right now and I’m more economical than anyone else in the area.
Do you currently have space and how do readers get in touch?
Yes I do! My mobile number is 021 046 4657. You can also find me on Facebook @PawstoDoorsNZ