Meet the Team

  • Chris wearing a yellow polo shirt smiling against a black background.

    Chris

    Dog Trainer and Pet Services Specialist

  • Sam with long brown hair and bangs wearing a yellow floral top against a black background, smiling.

    Sam

    Administrative Expert and Back Office Extraordinaire

  • Ellie lying on grass in a field, licking its nose. The background shows a fence and distant hills under a pink-orange sky.

    Ellie

    Queen Bee and Sassy to Boot

  • Patch and Ellie; two happy dogs with tongues out standing on grass in a park.

    Patch

    Loveable Rescue with a Heart of Gold

  • Zeus standing on grass

    Zeus

    God of Lightning and the Front Door

  • Apollo lying on grass and dirt with fallen leaves.

    Apollo

    Cuddle King, Not a Fan of Lightning

The

Bumblebee’s Story

Hi, my name is Chris and I run Bumblebee Pets,

I have always had a special affinity with animals and more specifically, my dogs. It was the passion I had for my four legged friends that inspired me to work in the pet services industry, and to do what I could to help ensure that everyone’s furry friends had the best opportunity to thrive. After developing my understanding of animal behaviour and improving my abilities over many years, I was finally ready to take the leap and run my own dog training business. I established myself on the Central Coast and 'Chris the Dog Man' was born.

Yin-yang symbol with a paw print and handprint

Business was booming and with estimates of over 60,000 dogs on the Central Coast, the need for a caring and compassionate dog trainer was evident. The years ticked by and the ebbs and flows of running a small business took their toll and unfortunately due to personal reasons I had to make the choice to head back to the rat race in Sydney.

I tried to manage both the job and the business, commuting to Sydney during the week and spending weekends helping customers train their furry companions but it wasn’t long before juggling all those pieces became impossible… and so 'Chris the Dog Man' was no more.

Chris and dog in playful interaction, dog licking man's face

Whilst I still offered help and support training dogs, these were only client referrals to ensure the business remained manageable. I was able to focus on my full time job and dedicate the time necessary to help a small group of people get the training their furbabies desperately needed.

Fast forward to 2019 when a path cleared for me to revive the business. I was back to the grindstone, planning on how to revive the business but in a way that ensures we'll be able to help pets and their owners for years to come. Finally after months of planning I made the announcement; "prepare for something big in 2020"... I didn't realise at the time how right I would be…

Chris standing in front of a fence with a rainbow in the sky, next to a building and trees.

Although 2020 brought with it COVID and meant the business was on hold (temporarily), it also forced me to reassess a many things in my life. With lockdowns being imposed and the opportunities for travel and adventure waning, I decided to step right out of my comfort zone and travel around Australia.

This was ambition to say the least. I had to manage 2 high energy doggos who love adventure but also need the time and space to let off some steam. I also had to find a van that could fit all of us comfortably and could go the distance around the country. So instead of trying to make an existing campervan work for us, I decided to fit out my own van with a focus on the dogs health, safety and wellbeing. It would only be a few months later and we'd be on the road heading down to Tasmania for our first adventure on this tour.

Over the course of 2 years Ellie, Patch and I managed to circumnavigate the whole country! We saw waterfalls in Tasmania, Barramundi in the Northern Territory, Emus in Western Australia and plenty of Kangaroos along the way. This experience was so enlightening not just for me, but also for Ellie and Patch. To see them grow into their adulthood travelling around, meeting new people and their pets, and getting to see a vast array of landscapes around the country... and of course peeing on them. It is an experience I will never forget, and doing it with my 2 best friends was more than I could have ever dreamed of.

Ellie and Patch dogs sitting inside a camper van, with a pot and bowl on the kitchen counter.
Patch leaping into a river near a log and bushes, with a forested background.
Ellie standing in tall grass in the foreground, with Chris' van parked on a dirt road in the background, surrounded by a mountainous landscape.
Chris stands on a forest trail with a surprised expression, wearing a dark shawl. Ellie and Patch walk on the path ahead. The trail is surrounded by tall trees.

It was only after returning to the coast that I met my wonderful partner, Sam. She brought with her a vivacious and positive personality and of course the adorable Zeus and Apollo. If you haven't met them yet checkout our socials or keep an eye out for their 'About' page (its worth it!).

It is with their love and support I am honoured and humbled to be offering my services on the Central Coast once again. This time, however, there is a difference. This time we're building the business from the ground up, starting off small with a strong foundation to ensure sustainability as we grow and support our honeycomb community.

I look forward to growing Bumblebee Pets with you and becoming a trusted partner in your pets journey.

Chris in a grassy field with four dogs, trees, and mountains in the background.
Ellie, Patch, Zeus, and Apollo being walked on leashes on a paved path, with one human holding the leashes.
Sam throwing stick to Ellie, Patch, Zeus and Apollo on a grassy field surrounded by trees.
Ellie, Patch, Zeus and Apollo, sitting in front of a large observatory dome against a blue sky with clouds.
Ellie, Patch, Zeus and Apollo, of various breeds lie on a light blue patterned bedspread.