“I don’ t have the luxury of having a dog myself because I travel too much, but I like walking and cuddling somebody else’s dog.” – Ingrid Newkirk
Last Wednesday’s challenge on blogging partner Susan and my alternate website was DOG WALKING.
Can you still remember those nerve wracking days when, due to the Covid virus, we were all confined to our living quarters and would give anything to get outside, stretch our legs and breathe in some fresh air and change of scenery?
Well surprise. Have you ever imagined or considered the possibility that many dogs held in animal shelters might enjoy that same sense of freedom if only they had a human companion in their lives for even a few hours a day?
I don’t really know if a Rent – A Dog service exists where you live but in Edmonton, where I live, the animal shelters offer potential dog lovers the opportunity to visit the location and for a modestly nominal fee walk the homeless dog about the grounds for a brief period of time.
This is a win-win-win situation for all parties. The dog enjoys the companionship of a human; the human gets to greet and meet a dog of his choosing; the shelter gets a modest financial offering to continue operating the shelter.
AT times the dogs cared for in these shelter must feel like prisoners held in solitary confinement. They need a break and what they need is you to give them the much needed change of scenery they require.
Do yourself a favor. If this idea appeals to you take a risk, contact an animal shelter near you and find out if this option is part of their game plan.
You really have nothing to lose but might discover a new friend you’ve gained.
THE MAIN AISLE (c) 2023 
I think visiting the dogs in the animal shelter is a great idea. Gives the human dog walker a purpose for getting out and about too. Like you say, it’s a win win situation. 🙂
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How many situations in life offer a person a win win outcome?
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I totally agree with you 🙂
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Thank you. 😉
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I am just sorry I don’t live near a rescue centre. It is a great idea and worth looking into though as I can no longer have a dog while I travel between UK and Spain. But have grandchildren and grand dogs in UK and wild life and visiting cats here in Spain!
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You would hope that animal shelters in Europe would initiate such a practice. Seniors and dog lovers who are unable to care for a dog would benefit.
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Think most animal shelters are very local and run by concerned but overwhelmed volunteers from their own homes or spaces. There is nothing like Dogs Trust here and many just save dogs from any government pound as these do not keep dogs found for long. But there are big fines if you are found abandoning a dog….
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I think pet owners who abandon their dogs should be fined.
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They are here if chip traces back so problem is with rural dogs, no chips, abandoned often at shelters! Or at a house where English, dutch, live. But to avoid fine worse as may be put down. But fines make it slightly better than before I hope.
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Totally agree with you.
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