Doggy Delights!

In September 2015, I kept seeing an advert popping up on my Facebook feed. For a self-explanatory dog-borrowing website called Borrow My Doggy. At the time, my stepfather Neil was terminally ill with prostate cancer and my first thought was to borrow a dog that he could spend time with, to improve his quality of life in his final weeks. He’d always loved dogs and previously had a loyal black Labrador in his life.

That idea never materialised, but the site and the thought of ‘borrowing’ a dog to walk stayed with me. By February 2016 (by which time Neil had sadly passed away) I had decided to go for it. I joined the site and never looked back. A world of dogs and dog walks awaited.

And then I got a message on the site. It came with a photo of 3 dogs. It was a simple story “I am unwell and unable to walk my own dogs” from someone called Jan. It was a cry for help. Although my initial thought was ‘yikes! three dogs!’ (a black Labrador called Max, a golden Labrador called Phoebe and a mini Labradoodle called Molly) and I had limited experience helping walk another friend’s dog ( a spaniel called Poppy) my heart did go out to Jan and I agreed to go to her house and see what transpired.

And, I am happy to report it became a weekly and then twice weekly ritual and 9 years later I am still walking Molly. Although to begin with I walked one and then two at a time, I quickly got used to these three big personalities. And Labradors are so loyal, sensible, friendly and affectionate they were no problem at all. Even for a relative novice like me. Sadly during the 9 years, Max and Phoebe the Labradors (who were in their golden years when I started) passed away - Phoebe was Molly’s Mum and had been bred with a very naughty poodle named Pepe - making for a playful and fun dog in Molly.

Molly is my best buddy and my Valentine and Jan has subsequently become one of my closest friends, she is a retired nurse and a really lovely person. I assumed nursing must have been a vocation for her. I walk Molly on pavements, playing fields and parks and we meet plenty of people (dog walking is very social) and other dogs who are sometimes Molly’s ‘boyfriends’ (like Bosun the gentle giant Leonberger/Bernese Mountain dog cross, Huntley a German Shepherd training to be a guide dog, Alfie a Golden Retriever, Ernie a Golden Lab and Eddie a Red Fox Lab). When I get back to Jan’s we have lots of laughs about Molly’s boyfriends and even Molly’s poops that day (apologies if too much information!)

I find the secret to successful dog walking is to always have treats and poo bags handy. For both your dog and any others in the vicinity. Molly will always come back when I call when a treat is proferred. My treat of choice is the Chicken and Cod Rolls by the Deli Dog (available from most Pet’s at Home stores).

But recently I was able to procure some ‘luxury’ dog treats from Ruffingtons (www.ruffingtons.co.uk) and they went down super well. Ruffingtons make ‘artisan bakery’ dog treats. I had to laugh at this - peak middle class! They come packaged like high end patisserie from somewhere chic in Paris and include ingredients like carrot and yoghurt. And they look good enough for humans to eat with detailled decorations - but please don’t eat them! Needless to say these are the creme de la creme of dog treats and perhaps for a special occasion or doggy Christmas or birthdays. When you want to reward your dog with something really special! Feedback from Molly was that she especially liked and wolfed down the Terrier Truffles and also the Doggy Cupcakes. They also do Doggy Eclairs!! Doggy Donuts and various other delicious things for hounds.

I can’t recommend Borrow my Doggy highly enough. It has changed my life for the better. The website is all over Britain and even if you just fancy the occasional dog walk and not a fruitful long term relationship like me, its one of the best ways you can spend the weekend or an afternoon - in the fresh air, in nature, with a canine friend.