06/08/2026
An Important Update ❤️
As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer 15 months ago, and unfortunately the journey hasn’t gone as smoothly as we’d first hoped.
Since then, I’ve had various treatments and surgeries, and I’m currently on my third course of chemotherapy. I have triple negative breast cancer, which is an aggressive and difficult-to-treat type of breast cancer. I continue to fight it every day, and the good news is that it remains contained and has not spread anywhere else.
The past year has taken its toll, and I simply haven’t been able to spend the time in my beautiful shop that it deserves. The team have been absolutely incredible at keeping everything going, but it hasn’t been easy for them without me there.
As my cancer journey continues, I know The Spotty Dog Place deserves someone who can give it 100% of their time, energy and creativity. So, from September, I am delighted to announce that the lovely Tilly will become the new owner of The Spotty Dog Place.
Tilly has been with me for the past 18 months and has such a genuine passion for clay. She is kind, gentle and incredibly creative, with a head full of wonderful ideas. I honestly couldn’t think of a better person to continue everything we’ve built together. I’ll still be supporting her from the sidelines, and I know she’ll make the shop her own while keeping the heart of what makes it so special.
So, what does this mean?
From September, Tilly will officially take over the reins. Day-to-day, things will continue very much as normal. Over time she’ll naturally introduce her own ideas, but our workshops and Paint Your Own Pottery sessions will continue.
The only change is that glass fusing will be coming home with me. Glass has always been my greatest creative love, while Tilly’s passion is clay, so it feels like the perfect fit. Glass workshops will now take place from my home studio in Buckbury, Longdon, just five minutes from The Spotty Dog Place, and will be taught by Elaine, Nadine or myself.
The wonderful Elaine will be leaving The Spotty Dog Place to begin an exciting new chapter in her career, but I’m delighted she’ll also continue teaching glass fusing with me. If you already have a glass workshop booked from September onwards, Elaine will be in touch to let you know about the change of venue.
The rest of the team will continue supporting Tilly, so in many ways, very little will change—except that I won’t be the owner anymore.
I also want to reassure everyone that although I won’t be behind the counter every day, I’m not disappearing! I’ll still pop in from time to time, you’ll still see me creating glass, and I’ll be cheering Tilly and the team on every step of the way.
Finally, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
When I opened The Spotty Dog Place, I dreamed of creating more than just a little shop. I wanted a place where people could slow down, be creative, make memories, celebrate birthdays, bring their children and grandchildren, laugh with friends, and feel part of something special.
Together, that’s exactly what we’ve created.
Over the last 15 months, so many of you have sent cards, flowers, messages, hugs, prayers and so much kindness. You’ve asked after me every time you’ve visited. You’ve been patient when I’ve had to step away, and you’ve supported the team through it all.
I will never be able to thank you enough.
I know you’ll welcome Tilly just as warmly as you welcomed me. Please bear with her and the team while they settle into this new chapter. There may be the odd hiccup along the way, but with your continued kindness and support, I’m certain The Spotty Dog Place will continue to flourish for many years to come.
This isn’t goodbye.
It’s simply the beginning of a new chapter—for me, for Tilly, and for The Spotty Dog Place.
With all my love and gratitude,
Rachel xx
