A BUSINESS owner has celebrated their one year anniversary since taking over a pet shop and promises a 'new era' for pet owners in South Lakeland.

Caroline Denholm took over Paws by the Lake in 2021, and rebranded the premises at The Old Toll House as 'Ambleside Pet Shop', transforming the offering as well as the aesthetics.

To celebrate the anniversary of the pet shop Caroline will be holding a Paws and Prosecco evening on Wednesday, June 1 where she will be offering training tips including early lead/harness training. 

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The building has been a pet shop since 2007 as Paws by the Lake but Caroline wanted to put her own stamp on the place.

Caroline said: "I've bought in a lot of new stock, like high-end accessories, gifts and treats, and I think I'm the only person in Cumbria that sells certain high-end dog foods like Orijen and Eden."

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"Ruffwear is a brand new product which has come into the South Lakes which is mountain wear for dogs, it's not been stocked here before and I think Ambleside petshop is the first to have it in the south Lakes.

"We also have a new travel section which we have brought in, people coming to the Lakes can pretty much buy anything for their dogs from dog beds to tick tools."

Caroline prides herself on being hot on product knowledge, she can tell customers which leads are going to be best for their dogs and give some individual tips for training your own dog.

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As well as owning the shop, Caroline is training to become a qualified trainer and has just completed her dog first aid course so that she can offer advice to her customers regarding health, nutrition and fitting.

She said: "I don't think that anybody has really done that in the shop before, there hasn't really been anything like this in the South Lakes area."

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"It's really putting Ambleside pet shop as a beacon for anyone who is coming to this part of the Lakes that needs advice on anything from teeth to what a good bed is."