London's Number One Dog-Walking Agency

A Memoir

By: Kate MacDougall

Narrated by: Anna Popplewell

“ Sparkles with humor, joy and wit. London’s Number One Dog-Walking Agency bounds along with the energy of a rambunctious pup and exudes the wisdom of a beloved canine with an old soul (you know the type)."" — BookPage

The irresistibly charming memoir of a young woman who started her own business as a dog walker for London’s busy, well-heeled dog lovers. A true love letter to London, dogs, and growing up.

Aside from the odd biter or growler, the occasional bolter and the one dog who didn’t want to walk, the canines were the easy part. They were a muddy, messy joy in all shapes, sizes and breeds, from greedy Labradors to pampered pugs and everything in between. It was the owners who were the real challenge, a giddy mix of the over-protective, the clueless, the eccentrics and the perfectionists. There is no rule book on how to navigate the obsessions of the London dog owner. A degree in human psychology would have been far preferable to any sort of animal qualification. Not that I had either…

In 2006, Kate MacDougall was working a safe but dull job at the venerable auction house Sotheby’s in London. After a clumsy accident nearly destroyed a precious piece of art, she quit Sotheby’s and set up her own dog-walking company. Kate knew little about dogs and nothing about business, and no one thought being a professional dog walker was a good use of her university degree. Nevertheless, Kate embarked upon an entirely new and very much improvised career walking some of the city’s many pampered pooches, branding her company “London's Number One Dog Walking Agency.”

With sharp wit, delightful observations, and plenty of canine affection, Kate reveals her unique and unconventional coming-of-age story, as told through the dogs, and the London homes and neighborhoods they inhabit. One walk at a time, she journeys from a haphazard twentysomething to a happily—and surprisingly—settled adult, with love, relationships, drama, and home ownership along the way. But, as Kate says, “It’s all down to the dogs” and what they taught her about London—and life.

fun listen

listened to this while hiking with my Golden. good story about business ownership while juggling a relationship and family. oh, and it's also about dogs!!

I LOVED this book!

I grew up on a farm in the 60’s. Spent endless hours with the animals on our farm. They were my playmates in the great outdoors. Each has their own quicks and personalities..Kate captures this beautifully in her book. Beautifully and deeply written. As a small business owner, I could relate to her client descriptions and interactions. I love how she found her voice at the end. BRAVO, Kate! Much love.

Great story

Heart warming tale of the author’s life going from 20 something to successful business owner and mom. Lots of lessons along the way. Good dogs throughout. Narrator was wonderful. Loved it!

Interesting and well written

Enjoyable, entertaining, and gently makes you think. A story about the years before and after turning thirty.

Didn't grab me at first but then I loved it!

I started listening to it and then actually stopped. But then I picked it up again a couple months later and absolutely loved it. I'm genuinely sad that it is over and that the author doesn't seem to have another audiobook.

The narration is phenomenal too.