We all want a dog here in the Saxon household. Always have. The problem is that, as the slightly more mature and level-headed Mrs SR always points out, it would likely not be fair on the poor dog. Whatever the merits of her argument, though, I think/hope I have found a solution.
An ad came up on my social media timeline a couple of days ago for a network that links dog owners with dog wannabe owners, so that when the actual owners can't look after their dog, the wannabe can. For example, someone bought a dog, but then their work hours changed, or they want to go on holiday, or they can't walk the dog at weekends, or whatever, so they have a standing agreement with the wannabe to take care of the dog. Insurance and 24-hour emergency vet cover is included when you join the network.
Anyway, I signed up, and now I am going to meet up with a 2 year-old Weimaraner and its owner in my local park to see if we're compatible.
If so, you can bet I'll be posting happy Saxon and dog pics shortly.
Good idea. My sister insisted they get a vizla and now complains that her holiday and weekend plans are scuppered when other can't take the dog. They already had a dog so it's not like it was unforeseen.
We do similar. We often sit for neighbours and friends, if they are away for the weekend for example. Got a slightly crazy collie at the moment. We're also registered with a couple of dog charities as emergency foster care. Only had one dog through that so far but a friend on the same scheme has a great lab albeit needing physiotherapy.
What’s the name of the network? Sounds like something that would suit us very well as wannabe owners at the moment!
Oh, and photos of the Weimaraner when possible 😉
Excellent thanks!
Sounds like a brilliant compromise.
Met the owner and the dog, and the plan is now for me to have the dog this Wednesday for the day. The owner-family is extremely flexible and is happy for us to take the dog with us when we go on family hikes/rambles at weekends and everything. So all in all, it looks like we're in luck!
2 year-old Weimaraner
Good luck 😳 ! Forty years on, I am scarred by the flatulence of the breed. Very handsome, quite clever, only obedient when it suits them.
That sounds like a fantastic idea and great scheme. I’m now just going to sit tight and wait for your photos to roll in.
Can I ask how much this costs?
Once you've made a few friends who then trust you to take their dogs then I bet most people cancel the subscription?
Can I ask how much this costs?
Once you’ve made a few friends who then trust you to take their dogs then I bet most people cancel the subscription?
It's on the site linked. £45 a year as an owner, £13 a year as a borrower. So I don't see why you'd cancel, with it being so cheap and including insurance.
For those that want a dog in their life but not the full-time commitment can I suggest Cinnamon Trust. They are national and you can help ease others worries when they are ill, one can also foster from them too.
I have Holly the black lab every Tuesday through borrowmydoggy as well. Most people will not cancel as you get insurance while you’re walking the dog and for the cost it would be pointless. Having said that I’ll probably not renew it at the year as I’m happy with the level of commitment having Holly on a Tuesdays and our next puppy is coming in June.
Good look with the Weimaraner, one of the more challenging HPR breeds.
As a full time dog owner, I highly recommend being a part time owner and not having to deal with the full cost of ownership!
Great idea. Doggy Day Care!
The only issue I could see with this is falling in love with one of the dogs you look after.
There is also a company called trusted house sitters. Somewhat misnamed as I'm not sure who needs their house lived in when they go on holiday if they don't have a pet.
I've never used it, but have considered it in the past. Obviously helps if you have a house that people want to stay in.
Somewhat misnamed as I’m not sure who needs their house lived in when they go on holiday
Depends how long you go on holiday. I house sat for someone while they did a charity conservation project in Indonesia for 6 months. Also we had a friend stay in our house while we went touring Australia. Helped up for security and to keep the insurance valid, helped them as they had a young kid and a small flat.
Yes, I get that for longer term stuff. It was more for the odd week or two I was talking about. The branding on the website has changed over time, it is now far more heavily 'pet sitter' orientated than it used to be (if memory serves me correctly).
The only issue I could see with this is falling in love with one of the dogs you look after.
This ^^
>looks at the great big furry (ex-foster dog) lump currently lazily stretched out on the sofa<
OP: My eldest daughter and her two flatmates are using the same network while she's in London and get get her usual canine fix.
Seems to work!