I am looking after a friend’s little dog whilst my chum is on holiday.  This little dog  is about 9 months old and still much of a puppy but he is certainly testing me in many ways, I sometimes feel I have a toddler with me.    I am very much enjoying the companionship he brings, he has a lovely nature.  Today we walked in the grounds of Kenwood House with a friend and her little dog in amongst all the budding daffodils and blossom.  What a spectacular building and the gardens and grounds are breathtaking – perfect for dog walking.

I am no introvert and can quite easily strike up conversations with people wherever I go, wherever I am but walking a little dog takes the biscuit,  it  is by far the very best way to make new friends.   The fact that this little charge of mine happens to be small and very pretty does make a difference and I get asked quite frequently what breed he is.    He also happens to be extremely lovable and frolics about like a new born lamb in spring.   He wants to play with every dog we meet on our path both large and small, size does not seem to intimidate him and isn’t it lovely that the young. children as well as animals,  are not already weighed down by any learning or prejudice?    I have found that dog owners and dog walkers are, in the main,  very approachable people who like to have a little exchange as they go, chat about their dogs, comparing notes. warning each other about danger, advising where they can go off lead and being generally helpful and kind.   It is very uplifting and I think it must be something to do with  the shared experience of having a pet that makes people reach out to one another.

Don’t get me wrong, having a dog can be very demanding,  it is hard work and as we already all know they are not only for Christmas, they require much attention!    This little chap can have selective hearing sometimes especially when he has found a new and willing playmate and wants to carry on having fun whilst I want to carry on getting to our destination,  but I wish I could wrap him up and take him home with me as I’ve quite fallen in love.          To all you lonely people out there – you know what you have to do!