Dogs are delightful but they have their drawbacks like “barking” which might annoy dog-less neighbours.   And, unless properly toilet-trained, they will do their doggie doo-doos everywhere.  Unlike cats, dogs need 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.  The truth being that many dog-owners only became dog-owners because they bought cute puppies forgetting that, just like humans, they become less cute as they grow bigger and older.   Dogs demand commitment,  bringing almost as many responsibilities as a small child, and they 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 therapeutic opportunity for animal lovers – especially those who for various reasons (living on 3 continents in my case) cannot commit to owning a pet.

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 – has to be one of 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 endless 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 someone to be chatted-to like an old friend, after first gaining the approval of his canine companion.   Through the magical talisman of his 4-legged friend, a single man can not only make friends with great ease but his chances of meeting a fine lady are greatly enhanced.  The expression “mans best friend”, although not coined for this intent, was never more relevant..! 

WHO LET THE DOGS IN..?

Depending on its founding charter and degree of doggie-ness, an OA-City might allow dogs in the Sanctuary and the Podium Activity Circuit, but probably 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 often get lost, sometimes never to be seen again.   Or stolen – either for breeding factories or the quaint cultural tradition of illegal dog-fights that enrich the lives of some of our vibrant enrichers.  But more often, they are killed by hit and run speeding vehicles – a fate which sadly often remains unbeknown to their owners.  

Given the safety and security of OA-City environs some owners would be happy to let a fellow citizen – perhaps even someone unknown to them – take their dog for a walk.  In this way, citizens who don’t own a dog, but who yearn for doggie company, will be able to hire one for “walkies”.  The hiring fees would help defray the cost of kenneling and upkeep.   Not every dog will be available for hire, but those that are will come with an info sheet containing details of personality, likes and dislikes, and its walkies hiring history.   Fees 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”.  Indeed “some dogs” are like that, 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 would like to think that the “private” dogs – most of whom don’t get exercised enough – might even become envious of the “mercenary mutts” who get more walkies.   The dog for hire concept would be very therapeutic 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..?!

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.