A couple have followed their dream to bring animal magic back to a Morden community.
Bradley Reid and Layla Wells made the life changing decision to open their own pet shop after Mr Reid, who suffers from a rare genetic condition that affects his movement, struggled to hold down a regular job.
Miss Wells said launching Family Pets in Central Road meant her partner could get back to work - and allowed them to re-open a much loved neighbourhood shop that closed last year.
The 28-year-old said: “It is going really well - the community are so pleased that we are back.”
She admitted it was a difficult time to launch a business but said since the shop opened two weeks ago, customers have been flooding through the doors.
The couple are planning open days where children can learn to handle animals, and are offering free delivery on pet food to customers aged 65 and above. Their own pets include Ellie and Boy, rescued Staffordshire bull terriers, and rescue cat Spooks.
Mr Reid, 29, who has previously worked in prisons and the catering industry, suffers from hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies. The condition means he is liable to nerve injuries that can affect his movement.
The new store is on the site of an old pet shop that was used by the couple. When it shut down last Christmas, they decided to reopen it with help from staff at Mr Reid’s job centre.
Miss Wells said: “It just goes to show that if you don’t want to sit on benefits, you don’t have to.”
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