About Halo Dogs

Halo Dogs was created by a group of likeminded staff who all worked together at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

As trainers, behaviourists, re-homers and passionate dog lovers, they realised that many of the behavioural problems they saw resulted from a lack of proper training and socialisation and that many of the people who really wanted to give a dog a home could not because they were out at work all day.

Thus Halo Dogs was born. Initially the company offered training, pet sitting and dog walking but has expanded to offer services including day care, grooming and boarding at its location on a picturesque farm in North London.

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Name: Justin Kumaran                                                            Code Name: Justin

Position: Senior Dog Behaviourist

History at Halo Dogs: Justin started Halo Dogs in the spring of 2009 after leaving the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust, where he was a senior clinical manager. Justin wanted to draw together all the necessary elements of dog care under one roof, whilst keeping everything fun, relaxed, and accessible to anyone interested. Importantly, Justin wanted Halo Dogs to be a preventative measure, rather than correction centre, with respect to problematic dog issues. Justin’s steady and careful guidance has culminated in a Halo Dogs BBC feature, and an invitation to do work for hit show ‘The Only Way is Essex’, TV production company ‘Tiger Aspects’ and other TV work.

Best Moment at Halo Dogs: “Being involved in the redevelopment of a historic farm in Enfield - with a lot of history which had been left in ruin - and we’ve been instrumental in its regeneration. Also, creating a wonderful working place for hard working, diligent, enthusiastic staff, and being in a position to pursue a passion for rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of abandoned dogs. And, at the end of the day, getting to play with 40 happy dogs.” For Justin, Halo Dogs is the fulfilment of a life-long passion for all aspects of dog care.”

Favourite Breed: Caucasian Ovcharka... I think he’ll need a bigger house.

History with Dogs, including current pets: Justin is highly knowledgeable of animal behaviour and training, has an NVQ level 5 and has attained the title ‘Master Trainer’ with the Guild of Dog Trainers. Furthermore, he’s an approved instructor with the Academy of Dog Training and Behaviour and a qualified pet nutrition adviser with Hill’s. Justin’s key experience with dogs came from his involvement with the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and the Enfield Chase Dog Training Club, where they teach the ‘kennel club good citizen dog scheme’. He writes generally on his knowledge of dogs, including featured articles for the Guild of Dog Trainers. Justin has also attended seminars with John Rogerson, Nina Bondarenko, Sarah Fisher, David Ryan, Ali Taylor and others. At home he keeps five dog companions!

Interests outside of work: Dogs, obviously! He’s also a Gym nut, enjoys riding motorcycles and, weirdly, likes reading the ‘Yellow Pages’: “I like seeing what kind of services are offered!”

Name: Salih Karava                                                                        Code Name: Sal

Position: Operations Manager

History at Halo Dogs: Sal joined Halo Dogs soon after its creation. Sal studied Forensic Computing at University, but left in order to pursue a future involving his passion for dogs. He worked hard to transform the facilities at the farm into dog heaven, became a Hill’s Pet Nutrition Expert along the way, and has been involved in everything that makes Halo Dogs what it is today. He has even overseen the transformation of the first puppies into fully grown dogs. It is clear that his gamble has paid off, and he now manages the lot. Sal embodies the heart and soul of Halo Dogs.

Best Moment at Halo Dogs: Sal couldn’t put his finger on just one moment. “All the dog rescues.” Giving dogs a second chance; helping them become the healthy, balanced and happy dogs they were born to be; those are the moments engraved in Sal’s memories.

Favourite Breed: “French Bulldog, definitely!”

History with Dogs, including current pets: At the age of five his best friend was a German Shepherd, but he unfortunately died whilst still a youngster. Sal now owns a Staff, which he has had for eight years.

Interests outside of work: Sal plays league football, and keeps his competitive physique by frequenting the gym. When he’s not sweating out on the field, his interest in music takes over - he’s quite the DJ! Finally, he pays a trip to the cinema whenever the opportunity arises.

Name: Jacqueline May                                                            Code Name: Jackie

Position: Office Manager

History at Halo Dogs: Jackie has been involved with Halo Dogs ever since it began, overseeing the administration aspects of the company, such as bookings, the calendar, finance, billing, marketing, etc. She’s also adept at dog training, especially house training, and is a Hill’s Pet Nutrition Expert. Jackie is currently studying with ‘Compass’ on dog psychology and behaviour, and is hoping (more like expecting!) to give Justin a run for his money in the near future.

Best Moment at Halo Dogs: For Jackie, it’s all about the rescue side. Angel’s case has made a particularly strong impression on her. Angel was found tied to a company van, was severely dehydrated, emaciated and psychologically damaged. Jackie has helped Angel get back on track, a task made especially difficult due to the fact that Angel refuses to drink water, forcing Jackie to hydrate Angel’s food. Jackie further notes the striking of a partnership between Halo Dogs and A.I.D. (Animals in Distress, based in Malaga, Spain). Lastly, “playing with dogs!”

Favourite Breed: “I haven’t got one, and that’s the truth.” Pfft... come on Jackie! “Ok, Boxers.”

History with Dogs, including current pets: When Jackie was 18, she had a Boxer and Doberman. Now, she cares for George, Angel, Henry, Grace and Winston, all of them rescues.

Interests outside of work: As is a common theme with our team, Jackie can’t escape her love of Dogs outside of work. But she’s also keen to improve God’s work, namely herself. Jackie doesn’t care for the hustle and bustle of modern life, preferring a quiet and sheltered one instead. “AND HOLIDAYS!!!”... who doesn’t like those?

Name: Turhan Dinccan                                                                      Code Name: T

Position: Team Leader

History at Halo Dogs: T’s career began during the summer of 2009. T, inspired by Justin (a man T wants to emulate and perhaps surpass), jumped on board in order to stamp his mark on a new and ethical business: “He’s like no other boss I’ve ever had.” Hard work and perseverance, those are the virtues that saw T through Halo Dogs’ comprehensive development. T is keen to highlight that all the little things he’s done, whilst mentioned in isolation appear to amount to nothing, taken together amount to everything.

Best Moment at Halo Dogs: “Sticking by Justin’s side and making Halo Dogs what it is today. I worked my butt off, and am pretty proud of that.”

Favourite Breed: “Huskies and Rottweilers.”

History with Dogs, including current pets: Despite always having a love for dogs, T’s association with them deepened only when he joined Halo Dogs. At home he has a playful malamute/husky cross that he brings along to the farm every so often.

Interests outside of work: T’s main passion is working out at the gym, and has the body to show for it! He’s also a man who appreciates nature, and likes to test how he fares alone in the wild, often going on camping and fishing trips. Then there’s the basketball, football, gaming, films... Oh, and actively avoiding spicy food.

Name: Stuart Oliver                                                                     Code Name: Stue

Position: Animal Welfare Assistant

History at Halo Dogs: Stue joined us at the beginning of February 2011. He soon qualified as a Hill’s Pet Nutrition Expert and quickly integrated into the pack. Stue has been instrumental with our dog rescues ever-since. There was the dog tied to his van one morning, and the house he had to break into to rescue a poodle, as the owner had been hospitalised. Having already learnt much from Justin, Stue looks forward to becoming a dog training expert.

Best Moment at Halo Dogs: “It has to be rescuing the poodle.” Stue had anticipated breaking into the house by knocking down the front door or window, but he caught a lucky break; the back door was open!... Well, it was shut with a piece of string. The poodle had gone 4-5 days without food or water, and was aggressive. Stue patiently gained his trust, brought him to Halo Dogs, attended to his basic needs and took him for a very necessary trip to the groomers. Following his owner’s convalescence, the poodle’s now happily back at home.

Favourite Breed: “Bull breeds.”

History with Dogs, including current pets: Stue has owned dogs all his life, and has helped hand deliver three litters of puppies, including one resuscitation. But there’s more! He has also rescued and re-homed seven dogs, three of them with him: a Jack Russel, a Staffordshire Bull-Terrier and a Staffordshire Bull-Terrier/Doberman cross.

Interests outside of work: Besides his dogs, Stue lives for his son and daughter, and takes a keen interest in all things motor-sport. One of his side-projects involves the restoration of a Toyota MR2.

Name: Diogo Gouveia                                                               Code Name: Diogo

Position: Animal Welfare Assistant

History at Halo Dogs: Diogo joined Halo Dogs mid January 2011. He has since qualified as a Hill’s Pet Nutrition Expert, learnt a lot about dog training and behaviour from Justin and the others, and has become a popular member of the pack. Of late, Diogo has been involved in the write up of company documents and website content. Like the other daycare team members, Diogo hopes to one day attain a high level understanding of dog training and behaviour.

Best Moment at Halo Dogs: “Learning how to handle and train dogs vicariously through Justin, then trying it out on my own.” Well, that’s not entirely true... After being flabbergasted by Justin’s command of five dogs at once, all of them lying down and looking up at him for further instruction, Diogo received a first-hand lesson on how to do it himself. Through Justin’s tenacious teaching effort, Diogo accomplished the same feat, much to his surprise, and delight! He has since been able to do the same on his own with different dogs in varying environments.

Favourite Breed: “Hungarian Vizsla.”

History with Dogs, including current pets: Diogo grew up at his grandparents’, where he was always surrounded by at least three dogs and countless cats, not to mention chickens, pigeons and the parrot. Although he currently has no pets of his own (landlord won’t allow it), his mother and mother in law make up for it, having a total of four dogs of their own.

Interests outside of work: “Philosophy and political and economic theory, and the role of education in society.” Diogo has philanthropic ambitions, but no idea about how to make them concrete; not yet anyway! He’s also a keen drummer, and enjoys discussions, food and Anime/Manga.

Name: Peter Martin                                                                     Code Name: Pete

Position: Animal Welfare Assistant

History at Halo Dogs: Pete is our newest recruit. He’s already a popular member of the pack, but since he doesn’t yet have a rich history with us, we looked instead to the future. Pete is interested in learning about dog psychology, and is keen to one day wear the title of ‘Master Trainer’. Pete certainly has all the right attributes. So good luck, and where better to start than here at Halo Dogs? That is, of course, a rhetorical question!

Best Moment at Halo Dogs: “Just being around them.” Pete draws pleasure from the company of dogs, and tries hard to be a good example to them, the mark of a good leader. Best of all, the dogs revel in being around him.

Favourite Breed: (s): Boxer, Beagle and German Shepherd.

History with Dogs, including current pets: Pete gained a lot of experience with dogs at his uncle’s kennel, where he continues to volunteer. At home he has no dogs, making up for it by having three cats and three chickens. An interesting mix!

Interests outside of work: Pete lives the exotic life outside of work. When he’s not playing guitar or bass for his band ‘Life Below Light’, he powers through the hordes of women to get to his kayak. Off comes his shirt, colourful tattoos fully on display as his muscles work the oars to propel him down the river. But let us not forget his artistic side; he creates and collects tattoo designs that don’t find their way onto his skin.

Name: Wendy Roberts                           Code Name: Dave, or Jane, or Wenzel

Position: Cleaner

History at Halo Dogs: “About a year ago ain’t it Jack?” So, early 2010! Dave keeps everything in the house organised and clean. Not an easy task, given the constant chaos that ensues from keeping seven dogs in the house and the constant flux of people wearing muddy shoes. It’s a responsibility that will not go unnoticed nor unappreciated. Thank you Wendy, or Dave, or Jane, or Wenzel!

Best Moment at Halo Dogs: “Quite funny, when I see him (Justin) get stung last year... Mr. Cool running!” I can imagine that would be something to remember. Dave also revels in the rescue side of Halo Dogs: “I tell you what, it’s seeing how they are when they come in, then seeing them when they get re-homed (with us).” “And how much they love me!”

Favourite Breed: “German Shepherds! They’re beautiful”

History with Dogs, including current pets: Dave has had seven German Shepherds throughout her life. She now has a Husky/German Shepherd cross, and her daughter has three Chihuahuas. Let’s not forget the cats that she rescues, of which four live with her. “It used to be eight... I tend to take them in.”

Interests outside of work: “Obviously like going out, ‘n’ socialising.” Dave also has an interest in arts and crafts, gardening, and, of course, “shoes, shoes, more shoes and more shoes.” And, might I add, talking.

Name: Alan Hassan                                                                      Code Name: Alan

Position: Maintenance Man

History at Halo Dogs: Alan’s “been here since the beginning.” The barn, the house, the field, even the vans, they’re all here due to Alan’s handy work. Despite all the things he’s already done, Alan continues to be an indispensable member of the team. Not only do things need to be kept in top condition, but new growth creates new projects, all of them aching for Alan’s handy skills.

Best Moment at Halo Dogs: “I like being around the dogs.” That’s natural for a dog lover. Alan goes about his business, and a puppy or two surround him, each bringing a positive note to Alan’s daily routine. It’s quite probable that the puppies are actually more interested in trying out whatever equipment Alan might be installing!

Favourite Breed: Akita. “There’s something about them.”

History with Dogs, including current pets: Alan’s current pet is Logan, an Alaskan Malamute. Logan’s still a puppy, and often comes to the farm to socialise with our other dogs.

Interests outside of work: Alan has a thing for street racing cars, citing Nissan Skyline and Subaru Impreza as his favourite models. He’s also into gaming, mainly on the Playstation. “And obviously walking the dog. That’s about it, I’m pretty simple”.

Name: Peter James Morgan                                                          Code Name: Peter

Position: Photographer

History at Halo Dogs: Peter joined us at the beginning of June 2011, and immediately set about capturing the perfect picture of every dog in the farm! Peter has had to get the dogs at their best for their portraits and action shots, and has been extremely tenacious in his search for the money day care shot.

Best Moment at Halo Dogs: “Best moment has gotta be laying down on the ground, and calling all the dogs over numerous times just to get the perfect day care shot.” It was rather amusing to watch Peter’s head disappeared under a bunch of dog tongues whenever he gave them the go-ahead!

Favourite Breed: Border Collie, Cockerpoo

History with Dogs, including current pets: It all started when, as a kid, he crawled into a barn by his house to keep an alsatian and her puppies company. Growing up, Peter was always surrounded by dogs, and even trained two Border Collies. He has been photographing dogs for over 27 years, and has his own studio and outdoor facilities. His current pet is a Cockerpoo named Oscar.

Interests outside of work: “Don’t get any time outside of work”, he said as he smirked. Peter was very much into Judo, but unfortunately can no longer afford the injuries. He still gets his fill whenever Olympics judo’s on the telly. Peter’s into dog training too... it’s not all about photography!