Pacing for Two: How a Dachshund Changed an Olympian’s World

About this episode

Deseree shares how her Dachshund, Henry, has positively impacted her life as an Olympic athlete.

In this heartwarming episode, Aneka sits down with British Olympic sprinter Deseree to explore the profound bond she shares with her seven-year-old Dachshund, Henry. Deseree opens up about bringing Henry home during a difficult recovery from knee surgery and how he provided the emotional grounding she needed to navigate the pressures of elite athletics. From the challenges of international travel with a whining sausage dog to the joy he brings to her family, Deseree illustrates how being a ‘dog mom’ has taught her patience and discipline in ways the track never could. It’s an inspiring look at how unconditional love can fuel professional greatness. KEY TAKEAWAYS Deseree got Henry while recovering from knee surgery in the Netherlands; he helped her overcome the depression and loneliness of being unable to train. The patience and discipline required for potty training and teaching tricks to a stubborn Dachshund have directly mirrored and supported the discipline Deseree needs as an Olympic athlete. Traveling internationally with a pet is far more complex and expensive than most realise, involving specialised passports, medical records, and significant fees. Deseree prioritises…

People in this episode

Host: Aneka Johnson

Guest: Deseree

Topics covered

• dog ownership
• athletics
• mental health
• pet travel
• emotional support

Keywords

• Dachshund
• Olympic athlete
• mental health
• pet travel
• emotional support

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Netherlands

More episodes of The Dog Mum

• Step into Spring: Better Body Awareness for You and Your Dog · May 26, 2026 · 24 min
• Spring Flare-Ups: Why Your Dog is Itching and What to Do · May 5, 2026 · 13 min
• Dognappings, Surprise Puppies, and Healing: Annabel Karmel’s Journey as a Dog Mum · April 14, 2026 · 1h 4m
• The Reality of Dog Grooming and Building a Community: More Than Just Puppy Spas · March 17, 2026 · 57 min
• Healing Paws and Human Posture: An Osteopath’s Guide to Thriving with Your Dog · March 3, 2026 · 48 min
• How Truly Understanding Your Dog’s Language Can Save Their Life · February 3, 2026 · 7 min