Can You Be a Dog Walker?

A lot of times we feel that there isn’t really anything that we can do for others. We look around and think we don’t have extra money or we aren’t able to talk to people we don’t know. If this is the way we are as a younger person we tend to increase in that manner as we age.

Before we didn’t have the time and now, we have too much time. What to do?

So glad you asked. There are numerous dogs out there that do not have anyone walking them. You don’t have to have a stimulating conversation. Hard to believe but they don’t care if you are a Republican or a Democrat.

They want to know if you have a little treat somewhere in your pocket. Heck, you don’t have to even tell them, they can smell if you have it or not.

The cool thing is that they love you as you are. Pocked marked skin from bad teenage acne, they will still kiss you.

Want someone to listen while you practice the speech you are going to give before a crowd. No better listener.

One reason I want a dog is that I want to have someone to run with. Right now I run in the early mornings because as a woman alone I don’t feel safe when it is dark and I am out alone. Shortly it will be dark in the early mornings and I will have to change my routine to fit the darkness. Now, if I had a dog to run with, I would be confident to run at any time. Especially if I had a Sheppard, which is my favorite. I am still looking.

When looking for a dog to walk there are several ways to go. First of all, you can sign up with the SPCA/ASPCA. They can always use help to walk or run their dogs. I would think it is the same with any rescue group. You would have to see what their requirements are.

The next way is to check around your neighborhood and see if any dogs are with seniors. You can offer to walk the dog but only make an offer. Some seniors are just fine walking their dogs daily.

If you offer to walk a dog be prepared to follow through. Have extra bags, surely I don’t have to remind you to pick up after the dog.

Always keep the dog on a leash. Always. I can’t tell you how many times a larger dog has jumped towards me. My knee immediately comes up to prevent the dog from hitting me. I know that a lot of dogs have not had any proper training and are only being friendly, but if you have a frightened senior they easily could be knocked over. While you have a friendly dog, you might also have a senior with a broken hip. Not worth it.

My husband meets up with our neighbor Roger and they pick up Hugo, a Shih Tzu/Maltese Cross, and walk him each Sunday for an hour and 15 minutes. He is pulling them, all 12 lbs of him.

This results in a win/win/win/win. The neighbor has her dog walked. The dog is happy. Both men get a good walk and they have done a good deed.

Previously, my husband walked one of our elderly neighbor’s dog for two years. Dash, a lovely King Charles Cavelier spaniel, was happy with a half an hour walk.

They are not known for their smarts but he knew every owner that would, if the garage door was open, have a treat for him and would wait patiently for it.

Dash is not with us now but my husband still finds dogs that will need a walk.

Certainly, you need to be fit enough to walk a dog and comfortable doing so. When you want to find something to do that will help others, this is only one example.

How about you? Have you time to devote to someone’s dog. Don’t forget you’re retired now and your time is your own. Maybe you can share a little bit of that time with someone’s dog. They will thank you.