How it all started…

From the office to Oodles Of Fun: Emma’s Journey to Building a Beloved Doggie Play Date Business

Life has a funny way of nudging us in directions we never expected.

For Emma, that nudge came after years spent in the corporate world. Day after day of deadlines, planning meetings, and high-stress demands had begun to take their toll—not just mentally, but physically. Eventually, her body made the call she had been too busy to hear: something had to change.

A Wake-Up Call

Emma had always been the kind of person who gave 110% to everything she did. Her role in the corporate world was no different. But when her health began to decline, she was forced to pause, reflect, and ask herself the hard question: What do I want my life to look like?

The answer surprised even her.

She didn’t miss the office. She didn’t miss the clean crisp ettire or the endless email chains. But she did miss feeling connected—both to herself and to the world around her. As she started her recovery, Emma took comfort in the simple joys of being outside, walking, breathing, and spending time with her dogs, Yasmine & Merlin.

That’s when the spark hit.

A New Beginning: One Paw at a Time

What started as gentle walks to regain strength slowly became something more. Neighbours would ask if Emma could take their dogs too. Friends of friends started calling. With every wagging tail and muddy paw, Emma was finding herself again—not in an office but on woodland paths and local parks, surrounded by joyful dogs.

Balancing part-time office work with this newfound love for dog walking, she began to carve out a new kind of life. One that blended structure with spontaneity, and professionalism with play.

From Solo Walks to Social Play Dates

Emma soon realised that dogs, like people, crave social interaction. She began organising small, safe group walks—“doggie play dates,” as she called them—so the dogs could build friendships and play in ways that solo walks never allowed. Her clients loved it. The dogs loved it even more.

Word spread quickly. What had begun as a few casual strolls turned into a thriving local service.

Oodles is not just a business, it’s a family full of happy faces

Today, Emma’s doggie play date business is a well-loved fixture across Stamford, Bourne, The Deepings, and Peterborough. Her brand stands out not just for reliability and flexibility, but for the genuine care, personality, and tailored approach she brings to every pup.

From shy rescues needing gentle introductions, to high-energy breeds that thrive in group settings, Emma and her crew have a knack for reading each dog’s needs and creating a safe, joyful experience that pet owners trust completely.

More Than a Job—A Lifestyle

Emma often says she didn’t just change jobs—she changed her life. The connection she shares with the dogs and their owners has brought her a sense of purpose that no promotion ever could. And while she still occasionally lends her skills to office-based work, it’s the wagging tails, muddy paws, and slobbery kisses that make her days truly fulfilling.

As she continues to grow her business, Emma remains passionate about giving dogs the fun, freedom, and friendship they deserve. She offers more than a walk—she offers a full-on play adventure, tailored to each dog’s personality, energy level, and social needs.

And best of all? Emma and her crew do it with heart.