Donna Bashton launches dog pampering parlour

May 5 2009 by David Old, The Journal

HIGH-FLYER Donna Bashton is leaving behind the stresses of office life to set up a pooch pampering parlour.

The 28-year-old animal lover had been working as a branch manager for a national organisation, but with the recession hitting the industry she decided to realise a life-long ambition.

The former jockey had carved out a career in recruitment, working her way up from a trainee consultant to a branch manager. But she had always harboured ambitions to run her own business.

Today she is launching grooming service Hot Dogs, in Low Fell, Gateshead. And she is already fully booked for her first week’s trade.

She said: “It’s a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to do this, but when you have bills and a mortgage to pay you don’t want to take the risk. I found myself out of work and I realised it was my chance.”