Job role: Founder & Director
Started Bowowski: January 2017
If I were a dog breed, what would I be and why?
A Whippet—because I’m great at short bursts of big energy, have long legs and love curling up on the sofa at any given opportunity.
Born in Northwest London thirty-something years ago, Ceara Henderson became the Big Bowowski of Fulham in the 2010s. Earning a degree in English at a London university was a prized achievement, but the frustrations of corporate life soon left Ceara questioning the path ahead and looking for something more fulfilling.
Spending time with a friend who had a dog-walking gig—and volunteering at a Staffordshire Bull Terrier rescue centre—lit the “what if?” lamp above the young Bowowski’s head. The idea of making a living by working with dogs pricked up its ears, gave a big stretch and refused to go away.
Ceara had always wanted a pet, although her mean parents had put a stop to that for inexplicable reasons. When she reached a fork in her career path, she decided it was animals in general—and dogs in particular—for her. A stint with a local dog-walking company, travelling between individual walks, taught Ceara the practicalities of the profession and confirmed that this was the life for her. Even then, however, she felt she could offer more.
That feeling pupped The Big Bowowski, and the real learning curve began. Ceara set up as a sole trader, anchored firmly in Fulham—the area she now calls home. Word soon spread about the tall girl with a real way with dogs, and those mean parents were swiftly roped in to help manage the growing number of four-legged clients in her care.
Boarding was the next big step, with Ceara caring for clients’ dogs overnight and while their owners were away. Daycare followed, along with some careful negotiations with Lauren—Mrs Bowowski—who found herself sharing her home with an ever-changing parade of canine companions.
Ceara’s presence on the streets, in the parks and along the river in Fulham became one of the business’s greatest assets. People could see her love of dogs and the genuine joy she found in their company. Her people skills, alongside her dog-handling expertise, helped her build and train a team of Bowowskis who share her vocation. It also meant those long-suffering parents could eventually retire for a second time.
Always looking for ways to understand dogs better and give them what they truly need, Ceara immersed herself in the study of canine behaviour and nutrition. Increasing regulation within professional dog walking has also made her deeply knowledgeable about the standards and safeguards that protect the dogs in our care—and a passionate advocate for professionalism within the industry.
A lot of people enter dog walking imagining it will simply be a stroll in the park. Ceara knows that doing it properly requires knowledge, judgement, dedication and an enormous amount of care. The Big Bowowski is here to stay.
Job role: Daycare Manager
Joined Bowowski: April 2025
If I were a dog breed, what would I be and why?
A Working Cocker Spaniel—because I’m not very good at sitting still and always like to be doing something, sometimes a little too much! I’m happiest when I’m busy, active and getting stuck into something new.
Long before Eleanor became Bowowski’s Daycare Manager, her love of animals had already pointed her towards a life dedicated to their care. Her professional journey began in wildlife conservation, where that soft spot extended to creatures of every shape and size—whether living out in the wild or curled up beside us at home.
With a Foundation Degree in Animal Science behind her, Eleanor brought a strong understanding of animal health, welfare and behaviour to the Bowowski team in April 2025. Her calm manner, capable hands and instinct for understanding what each dog needs quickly made her an invaluable presence at daycare.
Not one to sit still for long—much like her Working Cocker Spaniel counterpart—Eleanor has continued to build on her knowledge since joining the team. She holds qualifications in canine first aid and is currently working towards further qualifications in canine nutrition and Level 3 Professional Day Care and Boarding.
As Daycare Manager, Eleanor helps ensure that every Bowowski dog receives the right balance of activity, enrichment, rest and individual attention throughout their day. She understands that no two dogs experience daycare in quite the same way and takes the time to get to know the character behind every wag, woof and slightly suspicious sideways glance.
For Eleanor, the most important thing is that every dog feels happy, safe and genuinely cared for while they are with us. Whether a dog attends every week or joins us only once a year, she believes they should always be welcomed and treated as one of our own.
Active, curious and always ready to get stuck into something new, Eleanor brings both professional knowledge and genuine warmth to the role. Keeping her still may be difficult—but keeping Bowowski’s dogs happy, understood and well cared for is exactly where all that Working Cocker energy belongs.
Job role: Development Manager
Joined Bowowski: June 2026
If I were a dog breed, what would I be and why?
A Staffordshire Bull Terrier—because I’m loyal, determined and always ready to stand up for the dogs who need someone in their corner. Beneath it all, I’m also a big softie at heart.
Every dog has a story, and Gareth’s began with Remy.
As the proud dog dad of a three-year-old Cockapoo, Gareth learned first-hand what it means to advocate for a dog who does not feel safe in the world around her. After experiencing a traumatic attack during her early socialisation, Remy developed severe anxiety and reactivity—challenges that caused Gareth to question everything he thought he knew about dogs.
Determined to help her feel secure again, Gareth dived headfirst into the science of canine behaviour. What began as a mission to understand and support his own dog soon became a much bigger calling, transforming both his knowledge and the direction of his life.
Gareth has since completed multiple courses with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and is currently working towards his full behaviour qualification. Before joining Bowowski, he developed his practical skills at a board-and-train facility specialising in reactive and anxious dogs. There, he gained valuable experience supporting dogs whose behaviour is often misunderstood and helping them feel safer through patient, thoughtful handling.
It was Bowowski’s dog-centred approach that drew Gareth to the team in June 2026. He shares our belief that good care begins with understanding the individual dog—their history, their personality, their boundaries and the way they communicate when words are not available.
As Development Manager, Gareth helps us continue to strengthen the knowledge, practices and services behind the care we provide. His experience with Remy remains at the heart of his approach, reminding him that behaviour always has a reason and that every dog deserves to feel safe, heard and supported.
Loyal, determined and endlessly willing to learn, Gareth brings plenty of Staffordshire Bull Terrier spirit to Bowowski. He is here to help every dog feel as safe and understood as Remy finally does.
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