For Camille, living with animals was all she knew. Raised on a farm in the South of France, with the usual menagerie that would imply, Camille will tell us a bit about her life...
"I loved being surrounded by animals. Those were obviously my first memories but even when the family was forced to move to the city, we always had a variety of pets. Cats, dogs, rodents of many kind, turtles, birds (including a stubborn, somewhat aggressive parrot!) you name it, we had it! Travelling is the only time in my life I lived without a pet and it was a problem quickly solved when I met Leda!
The love of dogs and all things dog behaviour definitely stem from my childhood pup, Julie. Similarly to Leda's, Julie was like a second mother to us all. She would walk us to school and pick us up, by herself. She even had a few stops along the way... neighbours who always had treats for her, one of them even bought her a daily croissant!
I now have my own best mate, my boxer Echo, who was born deaf, like our other dog Zephyr. We do everything together, from surfing to hiking, even a quick errand she'll always be keen to come!

I love pack walking and the dynamic behind it. I find it simply fascinating. It’s a feeling like no other when you’ve put in the work and your pack is just one with you… Hard to describe really!"

Leda
Owner, Senior Trainer and Handler

Camille
Owner, Senior Trainer and Handler

"My first memory with an animal was on a horse trek, aged 4, riding a gorgeous Welsh pony named Kara. Kara decided to canter un-prompted in the middle of our journey, proceeding to buck me off and rush to a lush patch of grass. I have loved horses and riding ever since, possibly mostly for their free will and power which was experienced on this day.

I love all animals though, with one of my most cherished memory being me and my cat Kurapae finding each other by divine fate at a campground in Hunterville last year. He was dumped there, and chose the biggest sucker to come home with. He stuck by my side and rode in the van all the way back up to Auckland over two days. Now he is the prince of the house, and my little soulmate.

My favourite thing about this job is spending time with the dogs and the amazing FTL team. It is a great mix of challenging and relaxed/fun- no day is ever the same. Each dog is so unique, and it’s extremely rewarding seeing positive changes in behaviour or even pack experience as better connections are built.

In my spare time I'm outside, same as work! Gardening is a big love and it also means being at home hanging out with the cats. Double win. Also love tramping and going out for a surf adventure on a perfect condition 2-3ft day haha."

"I began walking for Follow The Leda in July 2023 after finishing my commerce degree and spending the prior 5 years of my life working in VFX. Although it is a huge departure from what I expected to be doing, I would not be anywhere else! Being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the outdoors and a pack of very lively companions daily has been one of the most rewarding and motivating experiences of my life. It’s a job that is anything but ordinary, where no two days or dogs are the same, bringing unique challenges and opportunities. Witnessing the infectious enthusiasm of the dogs I am lucky enough to have as part of my pack is such an incredible feeling and deeply cathartic. I love fostering a genuine connection with all of them in my care and being a part of their journeys as we are constantly learning and taking on new experiences. My furry pals are always finding new ways to delight and surprise me, I can only hope I am enriching their lives half as much as they do mine. And let's not forget the incredible humans I have the privilege of working with! Similar vibe if I am honest."