One giant leap for ”Dogkind”
For those of us old enough to remember Neil Armstrong’s words as he stepped onto
the moon’s surface - I make no apology for this title.
I was privileged to be trusted with the lives and well-being of two very small but
delightful dogs. They had previously lived a long way from here - and I understand
it to be right out “in the sticks”. They had lived with many other dogs, but there
was no need for leads, no meeting with cars, bikes, children, etc. And they had never
met me either! We spent a month getting to know each other, but it became obvious
to me that I needed advice from an expert. This help came in the form of Gill Aitken,
who I now think of as a friend. Gill quietly exudes confidence - and is able to instil
it in others. There was behaviour being shown by the elder dog (6 years) which I
had never experienced. He would not stop to sniff, look around and, above all, “lift
a leg” - however long we were away from home! Traffic, people, strange objects, e.g.
a ladder or a skip, would terrify him - and we could only pass with great coaxing.
All this was having an effect on the younger dog (2 years) so help was needed - and
given in a friendly way.
We can now all enjoy our daily walk. We can cope with some traffic, pass people
with and without dogs (the former preferred!), joggers, cyclists and the pavement
disruption of “bin collection” day. The dogs still much prefer freedom to leads,
but will tolerate these for short times each day. Above all both dogs are enjoying
the experience of being dogs - running, sniffing and “lifting a leg!”
The highlight of the whole year came a couple of weeks ago. We were out walking on
rough grass near the beach. I turned to see the now 7 year old rolling in something
irresistible - free of inhibition at last!
We have come an amazing journey - all three of us - made possible by the gift to
me of these two lovely, comical yet gentle creatures; and by Gill who showed me the
best way to help them to enjoy their new and very different lifestyles.
Hopefully you can now understand my title!
