Meet the Team
The Dorset Dogs core team is made up of 4 people, plus seasonal members of the team who help with our work on specific projects and at key times.
Volunteers, the support of many dog and countryside colleagues and the goodwill of responsible dog owners are essential to the work we do. Our office is on the edge of Upton Heath at the Urban Wildlife Centre, Beacon Hill Lane, Corfe Mullen, Dorset BH21 3RX
Anneke
Dorset Dogs Senior Project Officer
Anneke has always loved dogs and loved nature, during school she worked at a rescue centre at weekends and holidays; before going on to study for a degree in Zoology focusing on animal behaviour. She has an MSC in Wildlife Biology and Conservation specialising in heathland conservation. Before joining Dorset Dogs, Anneke was part of the management team of a busy outdoor environmental education centre just outside of London and worked as a professional dog walker. She has been studying dog training and behaviour for the last 7 years. Having always had a love for the outdoors, wildlife and of course dogs working at Dorset Dogs is the perfect role.
HARRY
Chief Walk Tester
In 2014, when Anneke met Harry it was love at first sight. Anneke credits Harry with inspiring her to return to studying canine science, dog training and behaviour. “Harry and I found each other by accident, sometimes a dog will come into your life and change everything. I’m so grateful for everything he has taught me, my world has been a better place since he came along.” Harry is nearly 12 and a rescue Springer Spaniel. He likes paddling and swimming, exploring new places, learning new things and his family.
Mollie
Dorset Dogs Hengistbury Head Project Officer
Mollie has always loved all animals – from working with horses from a very young age, led to her studying animal management at college which in turn, led to a degree in Animal Behaviour at university. Whilst volunteering at Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve she completed her MSc in Biodiversity Conservation. Mollie then went on to work with the Hengistbury Head team for 3 years before starting her role as the Dorset Dogs Project Officer for the Hengistbury Head project! Combining her love of animals, nature and dogs at one of her favourite places.
Bodhi
Chief Product Tester
Mollie and Bodhi met after she lost her two previous best friends Ozzie and Alfie. Bodhi is 1 and a half years old and can be quite the handful! He enjoys his nature walks, chasing the frisbee and trying all the games and treats before we share these with your best friends. He loves seeing nature on our walks and is learning how to be the best companion for our wildlife friendly walks.
Caitlin
Dorset Dogs Area Project Officer
Caitlin has a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, graduating in 2019 with an interest in dog behaviour and learning theory. Caitlin loves to be outside, come rain or shine. When she’s not partaking in dog related activities you can usually find her out at sea, sailing or scuba diving. During her time at the University of Plymouth she became the Sustainability & Environmental Officer within the sailing club, developing a mindful outlook of the impact our activities can have on nature and how we can continue to enjoy these pastimes whilst conserving the local environment. This role perfectly combines her love for dogs and the natural world. Every dog is special and unique, she looks forward to meeting yours soon at one of our upcoming pit-stops.
Maple & Moose
Head of Meet and Greet (West)
Maple is an independent and intelligent Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever who always wants to learn and train. Particularly food motivated and loves meeting new people. Her favourite activities are flyball and agility, which she has started competing in. She knows what a camera is and will stop whatever she is doing to pose and look pretty.
Moose is a very typical Flat Coat Retriever – loving and affectionate but a bit clumsy and silly. His tail is always wagging and he likes to carry his toys around on a walk, proudly showing it off to everyone he meets. He loves to be in or on the water, unless it’s a bath! Has strong FOMO and always wants the toy that Maple has.
Julia
Dorset Dogs Area Project Officer
Julia is hugely passionate about dogs and the big part they play in people’s lives. Her career has seen her work extensively in community engagement and with different partner organisations, with experience in dog welfare as well as the protection of wildlife and our countryside. When not at work, Julia spends a lot of her free time outdoors with Rudi, enjoying the Dorset coast and countryside and enjoys paddleboarding (although Rudi is a less keen paddler – see his profile below). She also loves to travel and explore new places.
Julia is really looking forward to working with the Dorset Dogs Team and meeting lots of new dogs and their people out and about, as well as playing a part in the important conservation work of the Dorset Heaths.
Rudi
Head of Meet and Greet (East)
Rudi is a nearly 3-year-old whippet, he is a gentle boy who loves a fuss, going out exploring on walks and sprinting at full speed on the beach. Despite his love of the beach, you will not catch Rudi near the water, he will avoid getting wet at all costs, he is not a fan of going out in the rain and will walk around puddles to avoid getting his paws wet. Rudi loves nothing more than snuggling up on the sofa and will try to wedge his nose under the pillows or blankets to keep warm.