She has two dogs, Cara (9) and Skye (3), who are both rescue dogs. "I bring them out every day, 365 days a year, " she says. "I usually bring them out both before work and in the evening.

"It can sometimes be a drag in the evening time but it has to be done. It's important for the dogs because Cara is a Border Collie and Skye is a Collie cross. They need to have that mental stimulation as well as the physical exercise."

And in terms of her own health, Wendy says she's found that her sinus problems and bad circulation have improved greatly just from the dog walking exercise. "I recently lost 20 lbs too. I don't think it's all attributable to walking the dogs but it certainly helps to get out and about. I sit down for most of the day in work so it's good to get the exercise. I don't think I'd ever do the same amount of walking without the dogs."

Wendy believes there's an equal balance between physical and mental benefits from owning dogs. "They're great company and can instantly make you forget about all the stresses of life.

My husband and I haven't been able to have kids so having the dogs to care for has been a great boost to us.

"In the mornings, I meet up with a gang of other dog owners and we head off around the park. It's a great way to meet up with people - I met two of my closest friends through dog-walking. At weekends, I'll bring the dogs to the beach or the mountains. You find the loveliest spots when you're out with dogs."