Former Wildheart keeper Sandra Digby is launching a new Isle of Wight pet care business, Walks With Sandra, with bookings now open ahead of a 1st December start.
Island resident Sandra spent 8-and-a-half years caring for some of the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary’s most iconic rescued species – from lions and tigers to wallabies, meerkats, pigs, goats and tortoises.
Before joining Wildheart, she worked at the much-loved Seaview Wildlife Encounter until its closure. A chance meeting on a Red Funnel ferry with Chris Packham and Charlotte Corney later led to a life-changing interview offer at the sanctuary.
Sandra also played a major role in raising more than £8,000 to rescue bears Benji and Balu, completing both the National Three Peaks Challenge and the Isle of Wight Ultra Challenge in support of the cause.
After nearly a decade working with rescued wildlife, Sandra is returning to the community-focused pet care she previously delivered through her Bembridge business, Sit-Stay-Walk.
Sandra says:
“Working with rescued animals has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.
Article continues below this advertisement “But it’s all-consuming, and now I want to bring that experience back into the community. Helping local families care for their much-loved pets is something I’ve always enjoyed.”
Based in Ryde, Sandra is drawing on her years of hands-on experience to support everyday animal owners, offering practical services shaped by the needs of local families. She provides energetic walks for active dogs, steady outings for older or mobility-limited pets, and one-to-one walks for dogs that may be reactive or anxious.
She also offers pop-in visits to help care for cats, dogs and small animals when families are at work or away. Her coverage includes Ryde, Seaview, St Helens, Bembridge, Brading, Yaverland, Sandown and Binstead, with other areas available for a small additional fee.
Sandra is already holding free consultations with prospective clients and will be available to meet residents at the Bembridge Scouts Christmas Market on Saturday 13th December, where she will be supporting the event as a trustee.
For more information, visit www.walkswithsandra.co.uk, email [email protected], find her on Facebook at Walks With Sandra, or contact her via WhatsApp on 07764 489034.
