About Us

The history of Best Friends (formerly Gatley Pets)

When I was a little girl growing up in Gatley, we used to walk into the village every Saturday to shop and we always took Rocky, our family dog. I used to take him to Gatley Pet Shop and spend my pocket money on treats for him.

When I was fifteen, I plucked up the courage to ask the owner for a Saturday job and got one! I was over the moon: spending all day with the animals and seeing all the dogs that visited with their owners, it was like a dream come true.

Shortly after taking this job, Derek and his business partner Carl took over the shop and fortunately kept me on working Saturdays and then offered me full time work when I left school.

I worked for Carl and Derek for several years in the shop alongside studying animal care and dog training in my spare time. I also qualified as a dog groomer.

Carl and Derek introduced me to the world of show dogs and for my eighteenth birthday, they gave me my first Bichon Frisè, Chrissy. Encouraged by Derek, I opened my own salon in Edgeley, which I am pleased to say is still there today.

Derek continued to be a mentor and good friend and we often travelled to dog shows together. When I sold the shop in Edgeley to start a family, I went back to grooming for Derek part time whilst continuing to run my dog training classes that I was, and still am, so passionate about. I also went on to qualify as a teacher and have worked for a specialised animal care college for a number of years.

Derek sadly passed away in April 2013. I could not stand by and watch the shop I had loved so much over the years close or be turned into another takeaway and so here I am! Serving the dog lovers of Gatley, Heald Green, Cheadle, Northenden and Wythenshawe and surrounding areas.

I felt it was important to change the name of the shop as I had absolutely no intentions of selling pets from the shop: I do not agree with pets being bought on impulse. My dog training service was already called Best Friends, as I believe dogs are our best friends and as Derek was one of my Best Friends, this felt like a fitting tribute to him, and to the line of work I’ve spent the last 30+ years in.

I aim to give you piece of mind that your best friends are looked after with love and dignity of the highest quality. If you think we do - tell your friends and family….if you think we don’t - then please tell me. We cannot maintain our high standards without getting feedback from you.

Welcome to Best Friends.

Pam Rowley, Owner of Best Friends