Waggy Tales - Borrower Alex, Cardiff

Alex's flexible university schedule has been perfect for lending a helping paw to a local couple and their adorable dachshund, Mr. Wigglesworth. They now spend most weekdays together and as Alex says, "it's a win win for everyone". Here's her pawsome story.

High paws! Tell us about your BorrowMyDoggy experience...

I signed up a few months ago and started to browse dogs in my area around Cardiff. I added several to my favourites, including Mr Wigglesworth (Wiggsy). As soon as I saw Wiggsy I thought what an amazingly cute dog, but honestly didn’t think I’d get picked so when I was messaged the next day by his owner Soffia, I was so excited!

How was your ‘Welcome Woof’?

We met for the first time in the local park. Soffia and I had messaged through BorrowMyDoggy quite a lot beforehand. I asked as many questions as I could - what Wiggsy likes, his favourite toys (he is obsessed with his ball!), what he eats, how much he eats, his walking routine and everything else. We all got on really well and Soffia and her partner, Rob, dropped me off home afterwards so they knew where I lived and where Wiggsy would be staying when I looked after him.

Meeting up is so important as, amongst other things, you get to see how the owners are with their dog. Soffia and Rob also signed the document to allow me to let Mr Wigglesworth off the lead which was extremely important for everyone’s peace of mind.

Why did you sign up to BorrowMyDoggy?

My Mum recommended that I sign up to BorrowMyDoggy. Our family has always had dogs, but we sadly lost our two dogs recently and I miss them terribly. I adore dogs, however as I’m a student, it really doesn’t suit me to take on a dog financially. BorrowMyDoggy is a really good idea and since my university timetable isn’t a normal 9-5, I thought it could work out well for someone else.

How are you getting on with your new furry pal?

I look after Wiggsy most weekdays. His owners and I keep in contact, so if they can’t bring him over it’s fine or if I have stuff on I let them know. I started looking after him just before university got really hectic and having him with me was such a relief. It made life so much better and easier being able to take a break and play with Wiggsy or go out for a walk.

I’ve been looking after Wiggsy for a couple of months now. Every time he’s with me, I send Soffia updates during the day - photos and videos - so she knows how he’s getting on and what he’s up to.

I feel really blessed that Soffia and Rob chose me to look after him and I just found out that they feel blessed that I’m helping them, too. It’s a win win for everyone really, I love it. The other day they packed me a little bag with his blanket, lead and toys and they had baked me a cake as a thank you. They are such a nice couple. Soffia has emailed to thank me too and Rob says that in the morning Wiggsy is always very excited to see me. It’s works really well for everyone.

My boyfriend, who was sceptical to begin with, is a complete convert now! He loves it.

What's the one thing you would tell other potential borrowers about BorrowMyDoggy?

Before you look after anyone’s dog it’s really important to sit down and write out all the questions that you can imagine to ask the owner. You’ll feel at peace knowing that you’re doing the right thing. You have to be respectful of the owners and keep up communication. Communication is hugely important.

What one word do you associate with BorrowMyDoggy?

Cuddles