Moving from the rat race of London to Villafranco de Guadalhorce is Katie Mann. Katie spends her days offering dog training and foster caring as well as projects in her new home. She is loving her life in Spain. Read her story.
Why Spain?
Mainly for the weather, coming from the UK but also to have a more relaxed way of life and get away from the London 100mph rat race where we just worked to pay a mortgage nada to Malaga in January 2016.
And where are you now?
We live in the campo between Alhaurín el Grande and Coín in Malaga province. It’s a great area because it has the feeling of the countryside but we can walking to our local village, Villafranco del Guadalhorce, with the dogs for Churros on a Sunday morning. It’s only 30 minutes from the beach, airport and big shopping centres. There are beautiful views and walks you can go on.
What was the biggest challenge for your move?
Generally most things were easier than we anticipated. Hardest thing was finding the right contacts for things like building work on the house.
Do you have any advice for Women thinking about making the move?
Do it! Honestly, we planned this move for about 10 years and it’s lived up to its build up!
Has your move to Spain affected your business?
I have a dog training business so I spend time visiting clients, running classes and preparing for them (and of course some admin and paperwork!). I do help some dogs in foster care too, getting them ready for new homes. I also have various projects going on in the house and garden. Sorting out my vegetable patch and looking after fruit trees. I love finding new places to go hiking with the dogs and my husband.
If you could achieve one spectacular thing in just one day what would it be?
Getting all the dogs currently in foster care adopted.
Something you are grateful for?
Our move to Spain from London and our dream house here.
Who would be at your special dinner party?
I would have Michael Jackson. He is my favourite singer and would love to know more about his creative process.
Serena Williams as she is the greatest sportsperson ever.
Valentino Rossi as I love motorbikes and would love to hear about why he things he was such a great rider and what retired life is like for him.
What’s your secret weapon?
My caring nature.
Do you have a mantra you live by?
Be kind. Too many people are judgemental or mean… Especially on line when they can be anonymous. You can not like someone but keep it to yourself.
One thing you had to bring to Spain and could never give away?
My dog Ava
Do you have a favourite film?
“Top Gun”. Loved the planes, bikes, love story and a teenager. It was so exciting.
Something you would tell your younger self?
Start saving young, no matter how little, it will add up. And listen to your parents!
Thank you Katie Mann where can we find out more?
My website: Www.abcdogs.biz
or www.facebook.com/abcdogswithkatie