Maldon Nub News aims to be supportive to EVERY element of the community from business and shops to people and charities and clubs and sports organisations.

Everyone is finding it tough at the moment and wants life to get back to normal.

We will be profiling some of these local businesses and groups regularly over coming weeks in a feature called UP CLOSE IN MALDON in the hope that we can be a supportive springboard for your full return to business as usual.

Today we talk to Lucien Cruse, owner of Amor Canine Care, based in Maldon. During an in-depth Q and A session Lucien reveals why they set up business in Maldon as well as what they love about the town's community and their gratitude for its support during the current crisis.

When Lucien Cruse joins Maldon Nub News for an Up Close interview, two gorgeous border collies are visible on the screen taking an afternoon nap on a sofa in the background.

"That's Jester and Toby," Lucien explains, "and there are three more downstairs."

A life surrounded by our four-legged friends is something Lucien has enjoyed since a child.

"My grandmother and my mum are both dog agility trainers," Lucien smiles, "my grandmother provides agility training with the Burnham and District Dog Training Club, so working with dogs has been a natural thing for me."

Currently close to finishing a BSc (Hons) Canine Therapy degree at Writtle University College, Lucien is qualified in a range of canine health therapies, including massage, stretching, reiki, acupressure and myofascial release. Fully insured and trained with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), lockdown brought Lucien to decide that launching a new dog training business was the way forward. Amor Canine Care was launched this summer.

This 20-year-old entrepreneur has made sure they have the right skills to offer. Writtle University College has been a place where Lucien has been able to thrive in a learning environment that truly specialises in all things animal care.

And Lucien knows that right now there is a strong call for canine services. There has been a well-reported increase in the numbers of households taking on a dog or puppy during the lockdown months and some of those new owners could find ownership more enjoyable with the right training for their pet.

Lucien is very clear that no owner should feel any shame at all in asking for help.

Lucien says: "I would say that speaking to other dog owners, such as friends or family to get their advice, is a really good place to start.

"When owners contact me I always approach the situation from a relaxed place where play is the basis of what I do. I travel to the owner's home because that always makes for a more natural and less stressful situation for the dog."

Lucien works with owners across the Maldon district and in Chelmsford and loves life in the town, the family having moved to the Poets Estate around two years ago when Lucien's grandfather died.

"We wanted to help our grandmother and it's worked out really well. I love anything nautical and am fascinated by history – Maldon's such a historic town and so beautiful, too.

"The local community has been really welcoming and friendly. Having lived elsewhere really makes me appreciate how great living in Maldon is. I now see my future here."

For more details about Amor Canine Care visit the website here. or call Lucien on 07450 475375 for more details.