Caroline, aka the Lovemud Dog Lady, is one of the UK’s most recognisable grooming personalities, with over 750,000 loyal followers and a flair for turning dog hair into edu-tainment gold.
She’s 22 months sober, a solo mum to 9-year-old Maxie, and has appeared on This Morning, BBC News, been a guest on the Southend Dog Training and Oh My Dog podcasts, and regularly joins TV vet Dr Scott Miller at live events and on his YouTube channel.
Down-to-earth, dog-mad, and unfiltered in the best way — she’s the relatable face of grooming with a floofy little cult following.
Do you have a favourite breed of dog, or have you had different breeds in your life?
Ooh, tough one… I adore Cocker Spaniels—they’re so loving and eager to please, and wonderfully trainable. But I also have a soft spot for Cockapoos—probably because I groom so many! They’ve got the intelligence of a Poodle, the heart of a Spaniel, and the cuddly charm of a teddy bear.
Tell us about your dogs—their names, personalities, and ages?
Lolly is my 13-year-old Working Cocker Spaniel—calm, patient, and loving. She’s my soul dog. And then there’s Lenny, my 1.5-year-old Cockapoo, who is chaos wrapped in fluff. He’s cheeky and full of energy, but gives the most incredible cuddles.
Can you tell us how you met your dogs?
Lolly chose me. I went to pick a gold bitch from a litter, sat on the floor—and she walked straight over and curled up in my lap. That was it. “Dis bees my hooman.”
Lenny was a gift from a lovely breeder who wanted to support my work educating owners on Cockapoo coat care. He’s been a total whirlwind blessing ever since.
What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned from owning dogs?
The depth of unconditional love—and how they teach you to live in the moment. Also, their internal clocks are spot on when it comes to mealtimes. They’re never late for dinner!
Has your life changed since becoming a dog owner?
Completely. My first dog as an adult was a Golden Retriever named Milo. He brought all the usual joys—love, long walks, and dog hair everywhere—but also inspired my entire career. It was thanks to Milo that I trained as a groomer and started Lovemud. He loved rolling in mud so much, the name practically chose itself.
Do you believe dogs sense human emotions?
Absolutely. I genuinely think my two knew I was pregnant with Maxie before I did. And during my husbands Jay’s cancer treatment they were like little four-legged carers. I was juggling night feeds with pain management—sorting milk for Maxie and meds for Jay—and the dogs never left our side. They just knew.
Calm, gentle, present. That kind of quiet support is something I’ll always be grateful for.
What’s your favourite memory with your dogs?
There are so many. One of the most expensive was when Lolly stole six sausages, four lamb burgers and some rolls from a BBQ spread! She was very poorly the next day—cue an enormous vet bill—but she had no regrets!
With Lenny, I’ll never forget the moment he came round from having his… ahem… testicles removed. I was filming with Dr Scott and got to be there as he woke up. He couldn’t lift his head, but he wagged his tail when he heard my voice. That got me.
Do your dogs fit into your lifestyle?
Perfectly. They come on the school run, love beach walks, woodlands, or even just a quick pavement stroll.
They’re happy home alone when needed, brilliant in the car, and—bonus—they fill the spare side of the bed very nicely! We all love a little adventure.
Where did your love of dogs start?
We had a Cairn Terrier called Bee when I was a child—she was amazing. She had a bizarre obsession with orange peel and would roll all over it. But it was Milo, my first dog as an adult, who changed everything. He shaped my career, inspired my brand, and turned me into a dog mum for life.
Have your dogs helped you through difficult times?
Definitely. They’ve been a constant source of comfort and motivation—whether it’s through loss, exhaustion, or just the emotional ups and downs of life. They have this incredible way of showing up exactly when you need them most. It’s like they just know.
Are you involved with any animal charities?
Raystede Animal Welfare Centre holds a special place in my heart. Our family dog Bee went through quarantine there, and we visited every weekend. I still support them when I can. I also recently helped Dr Scott rehome an abandoned dog, which was heartbreaking but such a privilege.
I’d love to do more of that – maybe even team up with Dogs Trust or be Pete Wicks’ doggy makeover sidekick one day!
If your dogs could talk, what would they say to you?
I’d love to think it’d be something deep and meaningful—wise, intuitive, maybe even a little life-changing. Something like, “You’re doing better than you think.”
But let’s be honest… it would probably be: “More cheese, another walk, belly rubs. And maybe bring the duvet to the sofa, yeah?”
What’s your dog’s idea of the best day ever?
Scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast, a sunrise beach walk, followed by a cosy sofa nap with me, a mini roast dinner (they get a small one on Christmas Day!), a woodland run with their floofy friends, and then… an early night. Always an early night.
Any funny stories?
Milo once completely disrupted a puppy socialisation class by spinning in circles and then doing the biggest poo imaginable right in the middle of the floor. Mortifying—but he was full of character from day one. Total Marley & Me vibes!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I just want to keep sharing what I’ve learned—supporting new groomers, helping dog owners, and making people laugh along the way. I love the different opportunities that have come my way—interviews like this, podcasts, events, even TV appearances. It’s such an honour to be part of the dog world, especially where education is still so needed.
I’ve also created an online seminar site as a go-to resource for dog owners and groomers alike. It’s full of real-life, practical advice on coat care, grooming techniques, and how to keep your dog comfortable and happy at home—no fancy language, no judgment, just straight-talking support in plain English. I wanted to create something accessible and genuinely helpful, whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a pro needing a refresher.
No two days are the same—and that’s exactly how I like it.
Follow Caroline on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemuddoglady and on her website Lovemud Dog Grooming
