The Hound-Human Connection

WENDY AND MARTIN

This testimonial serves to notify Ms Kim Botham of my appreciation of her skills and care in her work with our fox terrier 'children.' After adopting Barnaby as an 11 year-old-rescue, we had an incident where he showed signs of anxiety which displayed as aggression. Kim was recommended to us a calming influence and we engaged her services to spend an hour a week walking Barnaby and his sister.

We have been extremely happy with the service received from Kim over the past two years. Barnaby and Noushka are always excited to see Kim and they thoroughly enjoy their walks with Kim. Kim is a consistent, calming influence on the dogs and balances walking, sniffing, and the provision of reward treats so that the dogs feel relaxed but are stimulated to engage with their environment on their walks in a well-behaved manner.

Kim is always punctual for her appointments and is totally trustworthy. She uses the time with the dogs well for their enjoyment and when we are away, we are always grateful to receive WhatsApp updates of the walks that include photos so that we don't feel so estranged from the dogs when they cannot join us on holidays. Knowing that Kim will be there to walk our fur-babies while we are away is a real panacea; I know I do not have to worry. Kim is quick to let us know when changes could forecast a problem, for example, a limp that Kim picked up on one of the walks, when investigated further led to the removal of what was not just a fatty lump, but a cancerous lump.

Thank you, Kim, for the wonderful way you have with dogs that are considered ‘more
challenging’; we appreciate you and know that Barnaby and Noushka look forward to many
more happy walking adventures with you.

LUCINDA

Kim is an amazing dog walker. She has an innate understanding of what dogs want and need. Mtunzi, our Australian Shepard loves her walks, weekly and when we are away. Kim has helped to train her to walk off lead and respond to necessary commands when called. Fantastic to have such a skilled person walking her, Mtunzi is a very lively dog, but we never worry when she is in Kim’s care. Mtunzi is better behaved on walks with us for days after Kim has walked her.

ilze du toit

Towards the end of February 2021, I adopted Miniature Schnauzers siblings, Nova and Finn, weeks
before their 1 st birthday. I had two Miniature Schnauzers before, who went to day camp since they
were 6 months old. I ignorantly thought that my new kids would just automatically be accepted in
day camp as well. They however were rightfully rejected from ‘school’, barking non-stop and being
rather unpleasant around other dogs and humans. They just didn’t know better. The owner of day
camp suggested I contact Kim as they lacked serious socialising skills.
So, Kim stepped in….and, 2 and a half years on, she is still a much-loved constant in our lives.
Ever so patient and with skills I didn’t have, Kim introduced my kids to new environments, being
around other dogs of all sizes and temperaments, people, car drives, dog parks, walking on a lead,
and the Vet.

Till this day (and hopefully continuing for ever), Kim and/or her brother Trevor are still walking Nova
and Finn 4 times a week.
Kim’s service is not just about walking dogs, it is so, so much more.

ANNETTE FYFER

I am the owner of two boisterous and stubborn Airedale Terriers and I am obsessed with them and they are my 24/7 shadows. They are siblings and the fourth and fifth Airies I have owned. They are known for their stubbornness and are regarded by some as untrainable. I, however, am just passionate about the breed.

After 3 dog trainers gave up on us and also because it broke my heart every time I took them for training, I met Kim Botham. We started off by just trying to take the dogs for walks on leash. They dragged us from one side of the road to the other and pocked fights with all the dogs behind gates in the street - but with Kim’s persistence it is now 3 years later and we just love our walks with her. She not only trained the dogs but also trained me not to be so frantic to try and keep them under control. We can now really enjoy our walks and the dogs are loving it.

In addition, Kim has become their second Mommy and they just get soooooo excited to see her. She is amazing – gentle, playful, protective and strict. Everything they and I needed.

I once read that ultimate trust is when one is prepared to leave one’s pets in the care of someone else.
I have such ultimate trust in Kim

NICKY WHYTE

Kim has been walking our German Shepard since February 2020.It is evident that for Kim, her business is not just a job: it is something that she is passionate about. Kim takes the time and trouble to really know her canine customers. She provides feedback that is knowledgeable and helpful.
Finn is always ecstatic to see her when she arrives to fetch him and she is sincerely loving towards him.

I know that Kim is vigilant on her walks and her focus is on the dogs and their individual temperaments and needs. I consider myself (and my dog) very blessed to have come across Kim's services at a time when we really needed someone who is committed, organised and responsible, and a natural with dogs.