Mum-of-two fulfills dream with Rainhill secure dog park

With a lifelong love for dogs, Kelly Parr switched from the corporate world to dog walking when she was pregnant with her first child six years ago.

Intending to fulfill a long-held dream and spend more time with her family, Kelly - AKA 'The Dog Lady' - has walked and cared for countless dogs since her career change and her business has continued to grow and evolve as the years have passed.

Searching for a secure and private place where dogs could play and exercise, mum-of-two Kelly found the perfect fit at Rainhill Hall and launched 'The Dog Park' there in February 2023.

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Kelly launched the Dog Park at Rainhill Hall last February (Image: Kelly Parr)
While the dog park is a private and secure place for dogs to enjoy some freedom, Kelly has put a lot of thought into how to optimise the space as much as possible.

This has included the installation of play equipment that the dogs can play and climb on, while 'scent stations', scented plants, and sensory items have also been placed around the park so that the pets can sniff and become engrossed with the environment.

Play equipment and sensory items have been placed across the park (Image: Kelly Parr)
Speaking about the business, Kelly, 39, said: "I've always loved dogs, and my dog is a gun dog, so she isn't as interested with just a plain field.

"That's why I've put a lot of thought into how to give the dogs a sensory experience, give them lots of areas to sniff, and generally improve their health and wellbeing."

The land has undergone a huge transformation after letting the field regrow (Image: Kelly Parr)
Following the launch of the Rainhill Dog Park last year, Kelly said that she has had "wonderful feedback" from owners, who "can't believe the transformation" after the fields were given a month's rest in March.

Aside from the Dog Park, Kelly also takes a collection of dogs on walks throughout the week and sells mystery bags and canine treats.

With the business going from strength to strength since its launch six years ago, the walks and dog park sessions are often booked up weeks in advance on weekends and Kelly is also looking to bring in a fourth member of the team.

Kelly said she has had 'wonderful feedback' from owners (Image: Kelly Parr)
For more information about the Dog Park, you can visit the website here.