I like animals, in particular dogs. I would have loved one when my children were younger but my husband is not a doggie person, besides which he tended to end up with most of the hutch cleaning from the various small mammals we did have, and was convinced he would be left with the heavy lifting in this respect also. The rest of us always fully intended to do it, it’s just he cracked first. Our children are grown up and left now and I would still love a dog. Rather, I love the idEA of a dog; the reality, not so much. Partly because I couldn’t just up and off if the mood took me ( not that it ever does but one day it might),but also because I would feel very mean- the children would have loved one so it would seem extremely selfish to indulge myself now when they couldn’t share the fun.
Some weeks ago a friend was in a quandary. They had been invited to a family celebration a few hundred miles away, but the invitation did not extend to their ( lovely ) dog.
“ I’ll have him then ! “ was out of my mouth before I had thought it through, or indeed, checked with my other half.
I checked with my other half.
He said no.
Hmmmm. Awkward.
“ OK, I will go and stay at theirs then. Unless the idea of having me out of the house and you being all on your own for a weekend is worse than the idea of having a beautifully behaved , well trained ,non smelly, non hair dropping dog sleep in the kitchen ? Huh? Huh? Wouldn’t you feel really bad ?”
It was a no brainier.
Thus it came to pass a fortnight ago that I packed my overnight bag and headed two miles up the road.
And I have to say, it was the most fun I had had in ages. We started with a visit to a park; we (we?) chose one which was just beside a National Trust estate – who knew that Sunday morning was peak time for National Trust dog owners ? Who even knew there were so many of them ? It was absolutely heaving. I have in my mind the beginning of 101 Dalmatians ( or was it the end ? The old cartoon one, not the newer one with Glenn Close) . Wasn’t there a scene with dog owners walking lots of different types of dogs? Perhaps I am imagining this. Anyway, what was very unusual was that people didn’t avoid eye contact with each other. Total strangers, all out for a bit of fresh air. There were big dogs, small dogs, posh dogs,daft dogs; dogs running wild, dogs being dragged, one or two in doggie handbag things ( why? Really, why?) it didn’t matter. People were in couples or on their own, it didn’t matter. Normally we skulk about, heads down,hurrying from A to B and not, most certainly not, engaging with people we don’t know. Flip, we might have to speak. Say hello, even. Where would it end? But today it didn’t matter. People smiled, nodded, wished each other good morning, chatted if they felt like it, stuck to a nod if not. No pressure, be how you want to be. Have a quiet walk or a chatty walk. The dog and I followed on with a trip to the beach and the next day a trot round town and then another beach. I hadn’t walked so far in ages.
His owners returned having had a great time and I was slightly sad to wave goodbye as I headed home again.
It made me think though. I wouldn’t normally go for long walks on my own, or visit a beach or a park just for the sake of doing it but being with a dog made me feel able to do that. Nor would I speak to strangers all that much, particularly on my own, but I did all of these things and it was easy, lovely, and relaxing.If anyone is feeling isolated or low or just wants a bit of fresh air and to pass the time of day with another human being- or not- see if you can borrow a dog for a day and go for a walk. I found the whole thing utterly joyful and I can’t wait for my friend to get another invite. I even got used to picking up the poops ( turn the bag inside out and a top tip here – wait a minute or so ; is just too disturbing when it is still warm. You’re welcome). Hold that thought, and go rent a mutt.