Lesley Scoble-Ash
Summer's Hot Dogs are here...
Running around the South Devon countryside in the sunshine with a group of dogs is most people’s idea of a relaxing weekend jaunt – but for the last few weeks it has been my working life! We have been due some lovely weather here for a while (last summer had barely a dry day), but I know how lucky I am to be doing what I do for a living: it really is heaven!
But as a professional dog walker you have a lot of responsibility and I can’t afford to forget that at any point, especially when the temperatures soar.
During my working day, in a heatwave like this, I’m constantly monitoring how my dogs are. Dogs don’t have the same systems as us to sweat – losing most of their heat through panting – so anyone walking dogs in hot weather needs to be very conscious of how they are doing.
At home we have a fridge full of bottles of water because we always want to keep giving our dogs water when we are out on walks, again protecting them against getting too hot.
I find a number of places to stop during our walks and share out water among our temporary ‘pack’! I have a number of collapsible bowls which go with me in my ever-present backpack along with lots of water; it’s a bit of a weight to carry but is so vital to the dogs’ well-being.
Where possible, I try to walk in wooded or partly shaded areas, such as the Longwood in Kingswear, Sandquay Woods or in the Community Orchard in Dartmouth, to make sure our furry friends aren’t in direct sunlight for too long. We try and find walks near freshwater streams as well, to give the dogs a chance to cool off in the water – even if this does mean a bit of extra drying off at the end of our time together! I sometimes even take them to have a dip in the sea in quieter coves around the coast – something many of my ‘clients’ absolutely adore!
Even when the heat is not on, I carry a first aid kit with me at all times in case of problems – there are dangers everywhere for dogs of all sizes, no matter how careful you are, and it’s better to be prepared. The great thing is a good first aid kit can also be great for humans too – as I found out when I bashed my knee the other day! A good plaster and antiseptic wipe are perfect if you get a little injury yourself.
I’m constantly grateful for the job and lifestyle I have, getting to do what I love best for a living. But I never lose sight of the huge responsibility I take on looking after my client’s dogs each and every day.
If you would like to contact me about walking your dog, please drop me an email to dogglets@yahoo.co.uk, or call me on 01803 835036 or try my mobile: 07986 936135.
A Dog’s Tale…
Names: Bella and Storm
What kind of dog are we? Two English Setters
Age: 3 and 12
Human family (Owners): Peter and Camilla Beloe
Where do we come from? Bella: Both of us are rescue dogs from The English Setter Rescue Association which checked out Peter and Camilla thoroughly to make sure they were good enough for us! I just love my new home and owners and have had the BEST time since they took me home 18 months ago.
Storm: My owner abandoned me in their house when it was repossessed. I was was 8 at the time and no one, not even me, is sure how long I was left alone. It’s why I now get a bit worried if I’m left alone for too long, but now thanks to Camilla and Peter I’m enjoying a relaxing and happy retirement in glorious surroundings.
What five words/phrases best describe me? Bella: Affectionate, soft, energetic, jealous and beautiful. Storm: Reserved, affectionate, hungry, grumpy (when woken up) and loyal.
Favourite Walk: Bella: anywhere with Camilla, Peter or Lesley – I just love to walk and run and play with other dogs. Storm: I can’t walk far nowadays, but love to get out, meet some other dogs in the Orchard every once in a while before going home to have an afternoon nap before dinner.
Favourite things: Bella: I LOVE playing with other dogs in the woods and especially love Reuben, who is Monty Halls’ dog – we love to see one another and never want to go home from a walk! Storm: I love to lie with my head on someone’s lap having a lovely sleep after eating a good meal – I also love to cool off in the evening, lying on the lawn.
Anything I don’t like: Bella: I don’t like very loud noises or anyone being upset. If I think you are upset I will try and cuddle you to make you feel better.
Storm: I don’t like being left on my own AT ALL. I just want to be in the same room as you – that will make me happy.
First Published August 2013 By The Dart
