Waggy Tales - Owner Jennifer and Saoirse, Newcastle

For Jennifer and Saoirse, her Springer x Collie Dogs Trust rescue, BorrowMyDoggy has been an absolute “life-saver”. See why in our latest Waggy Tales.

Why did you sign up to BorrowMyDoggy?

I heard about BorrowMyDoggy from an article in the Daily Telegraph. I recently had major ankle surgery and was looking to get a dog walker to help me with Saoirse whilst I recovered. I had a dog walker, but she couldn’t help any more after a couple of months and I thought what am I going to do! I found someone for Monday to Friday, but I was desperate for weekend help. I read the article, looked online and got things going straight away.

Tell me a bit about Saoirse.

Saoirse is a very lovable, loyal and gorgeous girl. She’s got a really fantastic nature as well. She’s an old lady, probably about 11 years old, but you wouldn’t think it. She’s my companion and she’s my best friend. I couldn’t want for a better dog. Saoirse really gets on with people, she’s so friendly.

How did you find the signup process?

I found the signup process very straightforward and it was really easy to set up. The site is so easy to navigate.

How did you go about finding a local match for Saoirse?

I was aware that I needed someone close by because I didn’t want someone who would have to travel far to get to me. I wanted someone that was willing to walk an older dog because Saoirse isn’t for everybody as she can’t go on big, long walks anymore. Most importantly, I wanted someone who really loved dogs themselves and who made that the priority.

What was it about the borrower’s profile that caught your eye?

On Anna’s profile she wrote “If a dog is happy, I am happy - it's as easy as that.”

How long was it from signing up and messaging to going on your first 'Welcome Woof'?

We chatted to each other quite a bit on the site and then we arranged a ‘Welcome Woof’. It turns out Anna lives only two streets away from me. We all met up and it was perfect. She was so interested in Saoirse, which is great and we had a long chat.

Anna now walks Saoirse every weekend on Saturdays and Sundays. She comes in and I make her porridge and fruit and then she takes Saoirse for a walk. Anna also helps out during the week, often providing an extra walk at lunchtime which I know Saoirse really enjoys. I am having to take Saoirse for hydrotherapy now too and Anna is going to help me get her in and out of the car.

How does Anna get on with Saoirse?

They get on really well. We’ve got into a routine and Anna says that Saoirse interacts well with her, which is lovely. It makes the borrower feel good as it’s more than just walking the dog.

How has BorrowMyDoggy made a difference in your and Saoirse’s life?

I don’t know how I would have coped without BorrowMyDoggy. It has been a lifesaver. It was so stressful not having anyone to walk Saoirse. My friends helped as much as they could, but I felt I was putting on them as they have their own dogs. BorrowMyDoggy has taken away all of the worry I had over walking Saoirse and making sure she was getting exercise.

Would you recommend BorrowMyDoggy to friends? What would you tell them?

Yes, definitely. BorrowMyDoggy is a meeting of minds: you have a dog that needs walking and you are on a website where people want to walk your dog. It’s a brilliant concept. I have no idea what I would do without Anna’s help.

Why did you choose to adopt a dog from Dogs Trust?

I have been to a lot of shelters and I find them quite upsetting, but when you go to Dogs Trust the dogs appear calmer and it’s so nice that they’re socialising with other dogs. You know they’re being really really well cared for. It’s a very proactive organisation and they have the dogs welfare at heart. They’re more interested in making sure the dog gets to the right home, ensuring the dog is right for the person and vice versa. It’s such a professional set up.

Which rehoming centre did you adopt your dog from?

Darlington

What advice would you give people thinking of adopting a dog?

If you’re looking for a dog, then I always say go to Dogs Trust first, tell them what you want and they will match you with the best dog possible. Don’t discount the older dogs as they are really great companions, they know that they’ve got a second chance and they make the most of it.

Describe your BorrowMyDoggy experience in one sentence.

It’s been an enriching experience for Saoirse because shes getting walked regularly by someone that loves dogs and for me, it’s been liberating! It’s freed me from a lot of stress and anxiety.

Photo credit: Caroline Rossiter.