I've been a lifelong dog lover but my life circumstances - living alone, the nature of my job and not having family in the country have all made it difficult to have a dog of my own. When I discovered BorrowMyDoggy, I was genuinely excited to connect with fellow dog lovers and spend time with the animals I adore most. It felt like the perfect way to bring joy and companionship into my life while helping others who needed someone trustworthy to care for their dogs.
Before I met Stanley, I'd already spent time with a few lovely dogs and owners, but I didn't realise how much I needed that connection. I was in a low place in life, although I didn't even realise it at the time, and I was very unfit. Like most Goldens, Stanley is gentle, affectionate, playful and full of life. But what struck me most was how perceptive he was to my feelings. With him by my side, I started getting out more, exploring Bath and the Cotswolds, and feeling less self-conscious about exercising in public. He encouraged me to keep going when I felt tired or frustrated. Over time, my mood lifted, my fitness improve, and I felt like I'd found the password back to myself and the permission to live fully again.
BorrowMyDoggy has given me so much more than I expected. It’s brought a real sense of fulfilment, joy and purpose into my life. Spending time with Stanley is the highlight of my week - there’s nothing I look forward to more than our walks, discovering new places and the happiness he brings. I've started to explore the world around me again with a sense of curiosity and wonderment that I thought I'd lost. Visiting his pawrent to pick him up and catching up about our week has also become a comforting part of my routine over the past couple of years. I’ve even introduced my family to him, and we celebrated Stanley’s birthday together when they visited from Malaysia last year. The whole experience has brought me connection and a sense of belonging I didn’t realise I was missing.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I joined, but it’s turned out to be one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done for my mental and physical health. The dogs, especially Stanley, bring me endless happiness and a sense of peace and calm that I wouldn’t trade for the world. As an introvert who was never particularly keen on meeting new people, it’s been surprisingly easy to connect with others who share the same love for these incredible animals and a couple of these connections have grown into friendships. I tell everyone I meet about BorrowMyDoggy .. probably a bit too often sometimes.. but it has had such a positive and lasting impact on me that I don’t mind at all.
