Meg takes the reins as pet shop boss - could she be the youngest businesswoman in Louth?

Louth teenager Meg Johnson is the new boss of Potty About Pets in Mercer Row, Louth, following the sad passing of previous owner Ros Harris.
Meg Johnson (17) at Potty About Pets in Mercer Row, Louth.Meg Johnson (17) at Potty About Pets in Mercer Row, Louth.
Meg Johnson (17) at Potty About Pets in Mercer Row, Louth.

Reptile enthusiast Meg, who turns 18 in August, opened the revamped pet shop on Friday July 1 and believes that she is probably the youngest businesswoman 
in the Louth area.

Meg became good friends with previous owner Ros after helping out in the shop at weekends for around 18 months. The business was a partnership between Ros and her husband Richard, but Ros always wanted Meg to take the reins at some point in future.

Ros battled ill-health before sadly passing away in February and Richard has now signed over the business to Meg, who said: “I’m grateful to Ros for providing me with all the experience that I’ve managed to get.

“We bonded over that year and a half, and we became good friends. She had loads of good ideas for this little place and I just want to carry it on.”

Despite her young age, Meg has already gathered a wealth of experience in working with animals, having volunteered at The Ark Animal Rescue and Retirement Home from just 12 years old.

In September 2014, Meg also began spending one day a week volunteering at Black Sheep Vets as part of her two-year Animal Management course at Riseholme College in Lincoln.

While at college, Meg had been concerned at the lack of animal related jobs in the area and thought she would have to move away from home, and so - while sad at the death of her friend and mentor - Meg is grateful for the ‘good opportunity’ that has come her way, and she is excited for the journey ahead.

While the shop will continue to serve its original purpose, there will now be additional focus on boarding for animals including reptiles.

In the future, Meg would like to start selling reptiles too, in addition to the birds, fish and other small animals that are currently available.

Meg and her family have also been revamping the premises ahead of the official opening on July 1, with her Uncle Tom creating some stylish new shelving.

Special thanks also go to Meg’s parents Andy and Tracy, grandma Flo, friend Rachel, and many supportive customers and suppliers.

• Go along to Mercer Row to take a look at the revamped shop, and ‘like’ Potty About Pets on Facebook.