After six years of trying for a baby one Lurgan woman has spoken proudly of the family she has found in her four-legged friend and how that relationship helped birth her business.
Emma Goodman (36) has been with her loving fiancé David for 14 years. In that time the pair – like many others – encountered several health-related hurdles. Regrettably, these hurdles impacted their ability to have children of their own, something that Emma in particular struggled with greatly.
With a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and the later discovery of rare, stage-four precancerous endometrial cells Emma knew that her chances of conceiving were greatly reduced.
After many gynaecological visits, biopsies, constant pain, second opinions and discussions about having her womb removed Emma understandably found herself becoming more and more disheartened and depressed.
Three years into their fertility journey the young couple were in the midst of a “frustrating” and uncertain time.
But, just when they needed it the most, they received a furry “godsend” that would change everything – and they named him, Hank.
Emma and David’s godsend, Hank
Speaking to Armagh I Emma described the healing power of this little ‘Shichon’ (Bichon Frise Shih Tzu cross): “I just see him as a child. He goes absolutely everywhere with us and he has completed our family. I have come to terms with not having kids and if I do that’s ok but I’ve got to the point in my life now where I know I’m not going to have children.
“He’s obviously called hank and he’s a wee tank. He’s so solid and he’s one of those dogs who just makes everyone smile and he’s an absolute character, there are some funny videos of him!
“Even if I’m having a bad day in work, you come home and there is that wee bundle of joy dying to get to you no matter what sort of a day you have had and they are just amazing. Hank has just come in to our lives to help us both.”
Hank, with all his unconditional love, became an emotional support for Emma allowing her to find some breathing space and – in turn – find that creative spark.
As a devoted dog owner, Emma had noticed the lack of “creative” dog accessories on the market and as Engineer by trade and with a background in retail, she knew she had the skills and passion to pamper her pooch and others!
She designed and bought four sets of dog accessories last May and describes it as “the best thing I ever did.”
Her business – named after the pup that started it all – ‘Haus of Hank‘ was born. Today, the business offers a wide variety of ‘fashion-forward’ dog accessories available across Northern Ireland with shipping available to the UK and Europe.
Haus of Hank can also usually be found at local markets – although Emma has had to take a brief hiatus from these to recover from surgery – and has secured some unique collaborations with other independently owned businesses including a Harry Potter-themed range in conjunction with Vets4Pets in Longstone, Lisburn.
While their burgeoning success is clear, Emma and Hank’s story doesn’t end there. With a community rapidly forming and ‘Hank the Tank’ by her side, Emma subsequently found her voice and took to social media to break the taboo by telling her story.
“I just put it out there one day and told my story because there are so many women out there that suffer in silence and there is still a complete taboo in Northern Ireland and it needs to change,” said Emma.
The support was remarkable and within a short space of time a community called ‘Let’s Walk & Talk Dog Mamas’ formed.
One of the Walk & Talk Dog Mama meet-ups
“I just started on Instagram and set it up and every month I put a post up to say this is where we are going to meet and what time it’s at,” she added. “We go for a walk and some stay for coffee afterwards. I also have an Instagram group where we all chat and support each other.”
Emma’s dream is to create a seamless amalgamation of her loves.
Said Emma: “I would love to have a shop and Hank be there, with the shop at the front and a workspace down the back where people can come in and have an area where if women just want to come in with their dog to clear their head and have a cup of coffee they can.
“It’s not all sales, sales, sales for me. It’s about being that voice for women as well.”
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