In this episode, Aneka speaks with special guest, Holly, the founder of Teddy Maximus, a luxury dog accessory brand inspired by her beloved dachshund, Teddy. They take a look at Holly's journey as a dog mum and entrepreneur, exploring the origins of her brand, which aims to make life easier for dog parents while ensuring their furry companions can join in on adventures. Holly shares her insights on building a community, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the joy of creating high-quality, stylish dog accessories. KEY TAKEAWAYS The brand was inspired by the founder's love for her dachshund, Teddy, and the desire to create functional, stylish products that enhance the experience of being a dog parent while allowing for adventures in urban settings. Teddy Maximus emphasises luxury and craftsmanship, sourcing materials from UK artisans and ensuring that products are durable and sustainable, which aligns with the growing consumer demand for responsible pet products. Building a supportive community is crucial for the brand's success. Engaging with customers, listening to their feedback, and fostering relationships both online and offline have been key strategies in growing the brand. The journey of starting and running a business involves overcoming fears, making tough decisions, and maintaining persistence. The founder highlights the importance of staying true to one's values and mission, even during challenging times. Juggling responsibilities as a dog mom, human mom, and entrepreneur requires effective time management and prioritisation. Carving out quality time for family and pets is essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance. BEST MOMENTS "Teddy Maximus is all about fun, luxury British style. The real catalyst to setting up the business was getting my dashing Teddy." "We always say we're about fun, luxury, British style. The thing that makes us different is our attention to detail and the craftsmanship." "You really have to take a chance. You have to listen to your gut and be true to yourself." "I think also that understanding that you have with each other when you have a dog is very special." "It's about creating things that look good in your home too, not having to compromise on style." ABOUT THE HOST Aneka Johnson, founder of The Cuddle Club and co-founder of London Dog Week, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and devoted dog mum to her French bulldog, Chubbs. Her journey as a ‘pet-preneur’ began while battling health challenges, anxiety, and depression - until Chubbs changed her life. Aneka now inspires others through her relatable, uplifting approach to dog parenthood and therapy. Under Aneka's guidance, the Cuddle Club has been featured in prominent media outlets like London Live, The Lorraine Show, Forbes, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, and BBC Radio London. www.thecuddleclubuk.com @anekajohnsonofficial

In this very first episode of The Dog Mum, Aneka shares her heartfelt journey of transformation through her beloved French Bulldog, Chubbs. She recounts a challenging period in her life marked by severe health issues, anxiety, and depression, during which Chubbs entered her world and became her source of motivation and healing. The episode explores the profound bond between dogs and their owners, highlighting how Chubbs inspired her to reclaim her life and ultimately led her to create the Cuddle Club, where therapy dogs bring joy and comfort to various settings. KEY TAKEAWAYS The journey of healing and personal growth can be significantly influenced by the presence of a pet, as illustrated by the profound impact Chubbs had on the speaker's life during a challenging time. Owning a dog can provide a sense of purpose and motivation, encouraging individuals to engage in activities and routines that promote their well-being, even when they feel unwell or overwhelmed. Aneka transitioned from a career in the entertainment industry to working with therapy dogs, aiming to create positive experiences for others by sharing the joy and comfort that dogs can bring. The podcast will explore the bond between dogs and their owners, highlighting how this relationship can enhance health and happiness, and foster a sense of community among dog lovers. The focus of the podcast is to celebrate the unique bond between dogs and their humans, sharing tips, stories, and advice that emphasise how dogs contribute to making us better individuals. BEST MOMENTS "I honestly believe that Chubbs saved my life and want to dive into what exactly that means and how a dog can save a person's life." "Even on the days when I literally had zero energy, I still had to get up for him." "I wanted to turn my pain into purpose, something positive, and create a space where people could experience what I had with Chubbs." "Every single time, I see the same thing. People light up, they laugh, they relax. They just feel better." "This is about celebrating the bond we have with our dogs and how they honestly make us better humans." ABOUT THE HOST Aneka Johnson, founder of The Cuddle Club and co-founder of London Dog Week, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and devoted dog mum to her French bulldog, Chubbs. Her journey as a ‘pet-preneur’ began while battling health challenges, anxiety, and depression - until Chubbs changed her life. Aneka now inspires others through her relatable, uplifting approach to dog parenthood and therapy. Under Aneka's guidance, the Cuddle Club has been featured in prominent media outlets like London Live, The Lorraine Show, Forbes, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, and BBC Radio London. www.thecuddleclubuk.com @anekajohnsonofficial

In this episode, Aneka chats with fellow dog lover Neil, who shares his heart warming journey as a dog parent to Crumble and Chorizo. They take a look at the joys and challenges of integrating dogs into family life, especially during the pandemic, and the importance of responsible pet ownership. Neil discusses his transition from city living to boat life, highlighting the benefits of being close to nature and how his dogs have adapted to their new environment. KEY TAKEAWAYS When introducing a new dog to the household, it's important to take time and ensure a smooth transition. This can involve allowing the existing dog to get familiar with the new dog's scent before direct introductions. Monitoring a dog's diet and bowel movements is crucial for their health. Adjusting their food based on their digestive health can help maintain their well-being. Dogs provide significant emotional support, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. They can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide companionship. There is a strong belief in the importance of creating dog-friendly spaces in public areas, as this fosters community and connection among dog owners and enhances the overall experience of having a pet. Balancing work, family, and personal interests is essential. Engaging in creative projects, spending quality time with family, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life, such as dog walks, contribute to overall happiness and fulfilment. BEST MOMENTS "Dogs just bring people together. They do. And no, it's lovely and Chubbs is here, so." "Crumble is a mixture of toy poodle, shih tzu and chihuahua. I used to love saying she looks like an Ewok." "I think it's one of those things that I get, you can have people that are allergic to dogs, but I still believe we should allow dogs everywhere." "I call it the pet parent pound. If you know that there's a place where your dog is going to be loved on, you're going to be loyal." "I think it's really important. We always say that with my other half as well, we're getting married next year." ABOUT THE HOST Aneka Johnson, founder of The Cuddle Club and co-founder of London Dog Week, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and devoted dog mum to her French bulldog, Chubbs. Her journey as a ‘pet-preneur’ began while battling health challenges, anxiety, and depression - until Chubbs changed her life. Aneka now inspires others through her relatable, uplifting approach to dog parenthood and therapy. Under Aneka's guidance, the Cuddle Club has been featured in prominent media outlets like London Live, The Lorraine Show, Forbes, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, and BBC Radio London. www.thecuddleclubuk.com @anekajohnsonofficial

In this episode, Aneka interviews Selling Sunsets's Amanza Smith on her heartfelt journey with dogs, beginning with a childhood experience that initially instilled fear but ultimately blossomed into a deep love for the breed. She recounts her connection with her childhood dog, Leo, and how her relationship with a pit bull named Vegas transformed her perspective on the breed. Amanza discusses the emotional support she received from her adopted pit bull, Misty Copeland, during a challenging time in her life, and the heart-wrenching decision to rehome her after a biting incident. KEY TAKEAWAYS Amanza shares a transformative journey with dogs, starting from a traumatic experience at age five when she was bitten by a dog, to eventually becoming a passionate advocate for breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. The bond with her dog, Mixty, provided significant emotional support during challenging times, particularly during a breakup. The connection with pets can be healing and comforting, showcasing the deep emotional ties humans can have with animals. The decision to rehome Mixty after a biting incident highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership. It emphasises the need to consider the safety of both the pet and children, and the emotional toll of such decisions. Amanza discusses her newfound passion for painting and how it serves as a therapeutic outlet. This creative expression has become a significant part of her life, allowing her to channel her experiences and emotions into her art. There is a clear desire to continue evolving as an artist and to potentially incorporate dog-themed art into her work. BEST MOMENTS "I actually didn't have the greatest experience with dogs when I was like around five years old. I actually got bit by a dog and I still loved them." "I think it's fascinating how quickly that turnaround happened for you, because for a lot of people that takes years and years and years." "I never not once was I scared because Mixty would never. I knew if anybody ever tried to come in and do anything, I would be protected." "I think the dog always comes into your life for a reason and at the right time." "I was devastated. The kids were devastated. Even Walker, who got bit, was devastated. Nobody wanted to do this." ABOUT THE HOST Aneka Johnson, founder of The Cuddle Club and co-founder of London Dog Week, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and devoted dog mum to her French bulldog, Chubbs. Her journey as a ‘pet-preneur’ began while battling health challenges, anxiety, and depression - until Chubbs changed her life. Aneka now inspires others through her relatable, uplifting approach to dog parenthood and therapy. Under Aneka's guidance, the Cuddle Club has been featured in prominent media outlets like London Live, The Lorraine Show, Forbes, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, and BBC Radio London. www.thecuddleclubuk.com @anekajohnsonlove

Aneka Johnson, founder of The Cuddle Club and co-founder of London Dog Week, is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and devoted dog mum to her French bulldog, Chubbs. Her journey as a ‘pet-preneur’ began while battling health challenges, anxiety, and depression - until Chubbs changed her life. Aneka now inspires others through her relatable, uplifting approach to dog parenthood and therapy. Under Aneka's guidance, the Cuddle Club has been featured in prominent media outlets like London Live, The Lorraine Show, Forbes, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, Daily Mail, and BBC Radio London.