The Story Behind LeashLink

The Story Behind LeashLink

LeashLink wasn't built in a boardroom; it was built on muddy paths and unfamiliar pavements.

The "Floyd" Factor

The idea started with my dog, Floyd. He was a tall, leggy Alsatian-Lurcher cross—about 3.5 feet of skin and bone with beautiful striped legs. He wasn't a nervous climber, but many stiles were simply too tall for him to clear. Lifting a dog of that size and height over a wooden fence isn't just awkward; it’s a physical barrier that turns a relaxing stroll into a struggle.

The "Unfamiliar Territory" Problem

That frustration grew whenever I looked after my sister’s dog, Jax, or took the dogs on holiday. When you aren't in your local "patch," simple things become stressful. I’ve spent too many miles carrying a poo bag simply because I didn't know where the nearest bin was. Search engines tell you where a park is, but they don’t provide the details that actually matter to a dog owner.

Bridging the "Search Engine Gap"

Recently, I saw a member of my walking group struggling to hoist a large Black Lab over a stile, and it brought all those memories back. Why isn't there an app to truly help us? LeashLink is designed to overcome those barriers by crowdsourcing the intelligence standard maps miss:

• Physical Access: Is the stile too high? What are the path conditions?

• Essential Utilities: Where are the bins, the water bowls, and the dog-friendly pubs?

• Safety Alerts: Real-time warnings about livestock (cows, sheep) or hazardous fields.

• Transit Intelligence: Finding motorway services where you can safely walk the dog.

The Lucy Legacy

Then there is the caregiving side. When my Mum’s dog, Lucy, reached her older years, keeping track of her medications became a minefield. I hated having to ask for a manual list of dosages and instructions every time I stepped in to help.

With LeashLink’s Medical Suite, that data stays with the dog. Owners can log medications and care notes, then grant temporary access to a sitter or family member for a set window of time.

I have so many more ideas for LeashLink, but the mission is simple: removing the guesswork so you can just enjoy being with your furry friend.