The owner of a Suffolk-based dog health business is "beyond grateful" after winning an award from a Dragons' Den star.
Born To Run in Thurston, near Bury St Edmunds, provides pain management support for dogs with mobility issues, such as arthritis, using massage and exercise programs.
Owner of the business Angela Day recently received a boost after winning a small business award from retail entrepreneur and Dragons' Den star Theo Paphitis on February 12.
The Small Business Sunday initiative was set up by Mr Paphitis in 2010 to support local firms across the UK and now has more than 3,500 winners.
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Ms Day said: "We never thought that we would stand out over the hundreds of incredible product-based businesses who took part. We work very hard to make every client feel like the special dog owners they are.
"But to be chosen as a winner of Small Business Sunday and be mingling with CEOs of some of the best-known household brands is just incredible.
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"It's fantastic to have support from Theo because as a small business it's difficult to be in enough places to raise your profile to the level that's needed to reach more dog owners, who may not even be aware of the help available for their dogs when they struggle with mobility and pain from conditions like arthritis.
"Theo has recognised our hard work and helped spread the word about what we do. I am beyond grateful."
Born To Run has also been announced as a finalist for the Animal Star Awards.
Mr Paphitis said: "My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club of like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings."
Ms Day has recently announced her first ever 'Puppy Pilates' classes to help dogs avoid injury and the early onset of arthritis.
The new classes will run from the Erskine Centre in Bury St Edmunds from Saturday, March 23.
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