A pet shop owner who has operated in the same town centre for more than two decades is finally retiring.
Lin Philip started , of Pets Pantry, in Chard, Somerset, 21 years ago and says it has been an absolute privilege to work there.
She believes her ‘old fashioned’ ways of working and her love of animals and people have been the keys to the shop’s success over the years.
She doesn’t deal with computers or the internet, but instead speaks to all her customers face-to-face for every sale.
She set up with a business partner initially but they fell by the wayside after only eight months and Lin has been running things single-handedly ever since.
She told thisisthewestcountry.co.uk that she began as a single mother with empty shelves and not even a carpet – but all her efforts had been worthwhile.
Lin said: It has been amazing. It has been an absolute privilege. I get to know the whole family and it is a community really.
“I have seen puppies grow up with families and then pass on, and then they get the next one.
“I still get people coming in now saying they remember when they were a kid.
“I really get to know them and I get to be able to share in that love. I just like to be able to do a little bit to help sometimes.”
Since mentioning her impending retirement to a few customers, Lin has been showered in flowers and gifts.
Now she is hoping to sell the shop to someone who will run it as a going concern, because she says it is much needed to support local animal lovers and their pets.
