Dog Talk With .....Suellen Tomkins - Wild Heart Pets

We had a chat with Suellen about her business Wild Heart Pets

I’ve always loved dogs. I think they have an amazing ability to enrich and heal our lives. Not to mention, they are just hilarious and lots of fun. I loved dogs so much, I even studied vet nursing late in life, so I now have a Vet Nursing Certificate. So caring for dogs has been an important part of my life. When I got my English Cocker Spaniel, Ben, I was inspired to start my business, specifically to help other Spaniel (and other dog) owners easily find the products and information they need to keep their adorable Spaniels happy and healthy.

How long ago, and how?

I started my online store, Wild Heart Pets, about 1 year ago. It’s been lots of hard work, a steep learning curve and I’ve enjoyed it so much.

What do you sell?

I sell a range of dog products focussed on improving our dog’s health and happiness and making the lives of owners a little bit easier. I specialise in products especially suitable for Spaniels but they're suitable for most small to medium dog breeds.

These include

• high quality Australian made beds enrichment toys, like puzzles, snuffle mats and slow eating bowls
• Spaniel bowls
• ear care products
• natural wool toys
• anti-anxiety products like the Thundershirt
• Australian made shampoo, condition and detangling spray, and many more.

I have been especially keen to introduce a range of no-plastic, eco-friendly, natural toys into my range. Recently, I launched my range of Wild Woolly Bones, which are pure wool and dyed using eco-friendly dye and ethically hand made. There’s something about wool that Spaniels love. I have plans to expand this range. I don’t sell any product I don’t believe in or have not tested myself. Where I can I look to supply Australian made products. I pride myself on being able to provide dog lovers with practical advice and recommendations.

Where do you sell?

My business is based on line and I’m easy to find via my online store, Facebook and Instagram pages and by email

 Tell me about your own dogs - and are they involved in the business?

I have a black English Cocker Spaniel, called Ben, a gentle, loving ex-show dog who didn’t like the show ring. He’s my constant companion and the biggest sook I know. He helps me test my products and is the business mascot. You’ll see tons of photos of him on Instagram and Facebook. Plus he helps me with my product "show and tell" on InstagramTV which has been fun.

What's the best thing about what you do?

The best thing about what I do is helping other dog lovers with information and sourcing the best dog products/solutions possible. I love connecting with other dog business owners, like yourself too. It’s great to be part of a community that cares about the welfare of our canine companions.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Happy by Pharrell Williams

What's the most recent photo on your phone?

(Describe, not share) It’s a photo of Ben (of course, my phone is full of them), snuggled on the sofa with a blanket and pillow. Cockers love their pillows!

Tea or coffee?

I’m definitely coffee person. Black and only in the morning, other wise I’m up all night.

Thanks so much to Suellen for taking the time out to talk about her business. Take a look at her website here.