'I'm a taxi driver for dogs - owners tell me what radio to play and I tuck them into bed'

Charming Paul Halligan, 60, could well have the best job in the world.

He is an official ' dog chauffeur' and spends his days picking puppies up from their homes and dropping them to doggy day care.

Paul has been a very important Bruce's taxi driver for pets of footballers, MPs and popstars for 10 years - and some families even call him 'Uncle Paul'.

Over the last decade, Paul has covered 100,000 miles across South London and Surrey, following personalised instructions for each pet, from putting Radio 4 on to tucking them into bed.

Paul said: "I love everything about the job! I’ve been doing the same route for nine years now and been picking up some of those dogs since they were puppies, that are now nine or 10 years old."

Paul has watched them grow into senior dogs (Bruce's)

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Paul's love of animals first started in school, when he looked after the neighbour's chickens and walked their dogs for extra pocket money.

After spending his early career working in a number of roles, Paul spotted a unique job vacancy advertised online in 2011 for a dog chauffeur.

He began his special role transporting dogs to Bruce's Cobham day care site in his bespoke doggy bus, and has since become an intrinsic part of the business.

He has a strong bond with every pet (Bruce's)

His doggy bus is specially designed for the job (Bruce's)

The custom-designed vehicle features calming panpipe music to help relax the pooches, custom fitted beds and specialised temperature control.

Paul said: "It’s a great way to start your morning, going to pick up the dogs and seeing their happy faces, tails wagging and excited to see you.

"The bond you have with a dog is really special, no matter how long it’s been, they never forget you and will always love you once you make that connection.

Dog walkers in South London often recognised Paul in the park (Bruce's)

"I’ve been out walking my own dogs in the park and had dogs from Bruce’s spot me from afar and come to say hello, I’ve even experienced it with dogs I haven’t driven for years when they see the van out in public!

"I’ve seen the owners’ children grow up too – going from kids getting ready for school when I pick up the family dog, then going to university and now coming back having graduated and working in professional roles.

"It’s a wonderful part of the job, making those bonds with the dogs and their families."

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