Local dog walking friends
I rang her that evening just to see how her dogs were and the first thing she said was, ‘How’s Georgie, is she okay?’ Both her dogs and mine were very ill that evening and we kept each other informed of progress by short texts. It really felt important to be in contact with someone who understood.
And this is the key – we all have friends who are dog-free. But I don’t think they quite get it. Exactly what it is that makes having a dog so special. How they quickly become part of your life and part of your family.
I love my dog walks and I love seeing my friends. Most of us only see each other in this context. We don’t go out for dinner or go to the movies but we do know about the every day joys and struggles of having a dog, sometimes we learn about each others’ children, illnesses in families, new romances, house moves and so on. They are supportive and inclusive and long may it stay that way.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog this might be one area that is an added bonus to your new arrival. It won’t happen instantly but you will get to know the faces that make up your local patch, and start to care about them, and hopefully it’ll be a great thing.
And your dog will benefit too, learning to trust a whole new group of humans and canines - and if your dog is a rescue dog this will go a long way in transforming his or her life.
