I WANT TO TAKE A HUMAN FOR WALKIES..!

 Dogs are delightful creatures but they do have their drawbacks like “barking” which might annoy a dog-less neighbour.   And, unless properly toilet-trained, they do their doggie doo-doos everywhere.  They also need plenty of space to exercise and the time to do it in and, sadly, many owners either don’t have the time or can’t be bothered. Also, since many dog-owners only became dog-owners because they bought cute puppies forgetting that, just like humans, they tend to become less cute as they grow older and bigger.  Dogs demand commitment,  bringing almost as many responsibilities as a small child, and they also make it difficult (or expensive in kennel fees or debts to friends) for the owner to go on holiday.   Despite their love for their 4-legged friends, most dog owners do not have the time or inclination to exercise their pets regularly or sufficiently.  

OA-Cities will present a wonderful theraputive opportunity for animal lovers – especially those who don’t want the commitment of actually owning a pet. 

Are dogs “Man’s best friend” or “A Man’s best friend”..?

England – with its soft well-manicured countryside, its well-established network of bridle-ways, its hedgerow lined fields, its convivial country pubs.  This blessed country never too hot or too cold, with no dangerous wild animals – simply has to be the best country in the world for walking.  But country walkers, or ramblers as they are known, tend to be couples or family groups.  A lone male walking in the woods, un-accompanied by a DOG, is viewed with some suspicion, especially given the overblown media obsession with child-molesters and paedophiles. “Mummy – what’s that strange man doing wandering around on his own?”   On the other hand a lone man with a dog is considered perfectly “normal” and even someone to be chatted-to like an old friend, but only after first gaining the approval of his canine companion.    Through the magical social catalyst of his 4-legged friend, a single man can not only make friends with ease but his chances of meeting a fine lady are enormously enhanced.  The expression “mans best friend”, although never coined for this intent, was never more relevant. 

WHO LET THE DOGS IN..?

Depending on its charter and degree of doggieness, an OAeCity might allow dogs in the Sanctuary and the Podium Activity Circuit, but not in residential sections.   In that case dogs would live in kennels at a safe barking distance from the residences, but close enough that their owners could visit them easily and feel confident for their safety and well-being.  Far safer than OBeCities where dogs get lost and sometimes never seen again.  Get stolen (often for the cultural enrichers’ illegal dog-fights), and are very often killed by speeding vehicles – a fate which sadly often remains unbeknown to their owners.  

Given the protectiveness of the OAeCity environs many owners would be happy to let a fellow citizen – even one unknown to them – take their dog for a walk.  In this manner, citizens who don’t own a dog, but who love doggie company, will be able to hire one for “walkies”.  The hiring fees thus helping defray the cost of kenneling and upkeep.   Of course not every dog will be available for hire, but those that are will have an info sheet containing personality info, likes and dislikes, and its hiring history.   The fee would of course include a pooper-scooper. 

MERCENARY MUTTS

Sceptics claim this idea wouldn’t work because “dogs like to remain faithful to a particular person”.  “Some dogs” maybe, but methinks only a minority – for who hasn’t walked past dogs straining on their leash eager to be fussed over by every human in sight?   I tend to think “private” dogs – most of whom don’t get exercised enough – would probably become envious of the “mercenary mutts” who get more walks.   The dog for hire concept would be very theraputive as both species would get more exercise and both species would make more human and doggie friends. 

Both humans and dogs would benefit equally from this idea, and surely the essence of a good deal is one where both parties are happy..?!

Buenos Aires dog-walker with 12 dogs on leash – is this not ridiculous..?  And how does he/she manage to scoop up all the poop..?   Silly question really….

A question for dog-owners….

Dog-walkers will CHARGE you to walk your dog.

Dog-hirers will PAY you to walk your dog.

Which person would you prefer to walk your dog? (without thinking of the money)

BorrowMyDoggy 

The idea of pet renting has received quite a lot of opposition from supposed dog-lovers

in April 2008 the British Parliament put forth a motion to prohibit pet rentals. Labor MP (it would be a leftist wouldn’t it..?) Drew David, who proposed the measure, said that the pet-rental business “encourages irresponsible attitudes to dog ownership.” 

      A spokesperson for the “Dogs Trust” said – “If you are desperate to spend time with a dog but perhaps don’t have the time or the financial ability to have one for yourself full-time then why not consider volunteering at a Rehoming Centre where, for no cost whatsoever, you can spend time with many different dogs of all shapes and sizes, pedigrees and crossbreeds, as well as having the knowledge you are really making a difference to their lives.”      

“Desperate”?   I am not “desperate” to spend time with a dog, just that it would be nice to do so occasionally.  As for the idea of volunteering to work in a “Rehoming Centre” (new phrase to me) – that is far too committal for most people, as well as being a messy chore and not to be compared with the pleasure both human and dog gets from a walk in the park.