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After three weeks of enforced indoor activity it is finally time to take the puppy out. We are both a little nervous, him whimpering nervously, reluctant to leave the safety of the house, me, feeling like a new parent exposing her new born to the outside world.
We head off down the High St, the dog walking beautifully by my side, like he's trying out for Crufts, except he doesn't so much as walk, as prance in a bouncy kind of way.
We are stopped many many times and I reply, 'yes, he's 8 weeks, a labradoodle, a boy and yes isn't he cute.' I don't mind, I am proud as only a mother can be, although teen daughter insists I am in fact 'Grandma' as she is mum, but I'm not sure I'm quite ready for that one.
We arrive at the park and the first person we meet is a completely insane Italian woman who lies down on the grass, hugs and kisses the dog and positively gushes about how gorgeous he is. He, of course loves it, and I try my hardest to stick to the, introduce yourself first, then the dog', rules I learnt at puppy training. It doesn't work and we move on, with the dog thinking this is the reception he's going to get from everyone. He bounds up to some teenage girls, who scream, 'aah hes attacking me, he's biting me, innit Lateeeesha'. This isnt going to be as easy as I imagined!
We spot a couple of big dogs heading towards us and I try to assess if they look scary. One of them is a Staff and looks fierce, but I don't want to be 'doggist', besides I have friends with lovely Staffs. Suddenly, we are surrounded by dogs and people in wax jackets and wellies (remember we are in Hackney!), who all know each other. Once again I am saying, 'yes, he's 8 weeks'.........etc, etc.
I feel like a new mum at toddler group, where everyone knows everyone else and I don't know where the tea is!! They all start to walk, with the dogs tussling and playing, they move as one and I'm not sure if I should join them. But, as is the way with small children, the dog decides he is one of the gang and has already made new friends, so off we go.
Later that week I am out at a local restaurant and on the next table are some of the dog walkers. One of my friends is more established than me in the local canine community, and chats to them. They turn out to be hilarious, with the most interesting ones sneaking out for a crafty fag and staying on well past closing time.
When I first had children I remember feeling nervous about new situations and unsure about meeting new people. As I grew into motherhood, I relished the opportunities to meet some amazing women and great children. It took me out of my comfort zone, opened my eyes to many different worlds and over the years I've made some great friends. I've learn not to judge on appearances and become more tolerant and accepting than I had been in my shallow 'fashion' world!
So, I think I'm going to like this dog walking lark, but obviously I'm going to need a wax jacket and some Hunter wellies!
I love my dog walking mornings with Hendrix, my labradoodle, and yes you will find a wonderful comrardery amongst dog walkers and a definite fashion trend as well! On Wimbledon Common ,where I walk, it is Durberry boots that ate the most on trend at the moment - check them out they are fantastic - waterproof, warm and quite stylish I think! Anyway - happy walking just think how good it is for you!!
Posted by: gillian taylor | October 27, 2010 at 07:20 PM
Checking out those boots right now Gillian, thanks
J x
Posted by: jane | October 27, 2010 at 07:48 PM
Get you in your Barbour and Hunter Wellies daaahling! Go on, admit it, you've been turned by the poshers!
x
Posted by: steffi | October 27, 2010 at 09:07 PM
Can I just say I LOVE the idea of a dog called Hendrix? Sometimes I want a dog just so I can give it a cool name....anyone have a cooler named dog than Hendrix? Ax
Posted by: amanda | October 27, 2010 at 11:29 PM
When I get my whippet....
Devo.
I am still convincing Alpha Male (as Ev would say, regardless of the fact that he is the only male) that we need a whippet.
My friend and I dream of crossing poodles and greyhounds and coming up with the Poohound.
Posted by: Marv | October 28, 2010 at 08:49 AM
Devo the Poohound. I'm still laughing now.....!
Posted by: Jude | October 28, 2010 at 01:05 PM
I have a cockerpoodle called Jim aged 2 3/4. Like a labradoodle but smaller. He may be a designer dog (not) but def doesn't have a designer owner as I walk at the crack of dawn in old tracksuit, sweater, old Dunlop black wellies, and maybe a Barbour circa 1984.
Posted by: charlotte | October 28, 2010 at 08:58 PM
I'm sorry Charlotte, a cockerpoodle? Are you having us on?
Posted by: amanda | October 31, 2010 at 06:18 PM
A cockerpoo Amanda, come on you need to gen up on the dog trends. There are chugs, puggles, Morkies and Sprockers.
J x
Posted by: jane | October 31, 2010 at 07:58 PM