Recent research by a team at Cambridge University have discovered that Labradors and us humans share a gene DENND1B linked to obesity. It has been noted that this gene is NOT suitable for weight loss drugs as it is critical to key biological processes that should not be interfered with. Unfortunately for those affected it requires diet and exercise.
40-60% of pet dogs are overweight or obese. This is similar to the human population
This event occurred before the advent of professional dog walkers.
Certain details have been changed to protect anonymity.
“Is that Mr Hodson?”
“It is, how can I be of assistance?”
“Well, actually, I’m looking for someone to walk Sam, my Labrador.”
“I am so sorry, but I’m a trainer and behaviourist.”
“Do you know where I can find a dog walker? I live in Truro, Sam is very well behaved, it’s just that I’m struggling with my mobility, and he really needs a decent walk occasionally.”
“Can any of your neighbours assist you?”
“Well, weekends and school holidays are covered by my neighbours 13 year 13-year-old daughter, but I need someone to do it on weekdays.”
“Well, I will make inquiries for you, but I’m not confident that I will be able to find someone. I’m not aware that there is anyone providing this sort of service in this area.”
“Just as a matter of interest, what do you charge to come and train a dog?”
I informed Mrs Giles of the cost of a visit and received her reply.
“Well, if you can come and walk Sam, then doesn’t that come under the title of training?”
“Yes, but you said he was well-trained already, and if a child can walk him, he hardly needs training.”
“I agree, but if I am able to pay your fee, then I get a dog walker and Sam gets a decent walk.”
I had to admit the lady’s logic was flawless, so I agreed to arrange a visit.
Sam turned out to be a very friendly Labrador. He was typical of his type. He greeted visitors with wild enthusiasm, and it was obvious that his lack of exercise and overindulgence in the dinner department were the cause of his somewhat rotund appearance. His waistline had totally disappeared, and he gave the appearance of a barrel on legs.
Mrs Giles was a very elderly lady who used a walking frame. Sadly, her husband had recently died, and with his passing, Mrs Giles was left with the problem of providing exercise and entertainment for Sam. I was able to advise on the best and most suitable activity toys. I have advocated for years that while physical exercise is important, equally important is the dog’s ability to exercise its brain.
Mrs Giles pointed out the route her neighbour’s teenage daughter used, and so we went for our first walk. I quickly discovered that Sam needed no tuition in walking as he walked calmly by my side and showed no desire to pull, and neither did he show any interest in traffic or other dogs; even the presence of the local ginger tomcat crossing the road failed to generate any interest in his surroundings for Sam.
The dog walking over, Mrs Giles offered me a cup of tea and requested that I repeat the process every weekday if I was available. We agreed on a 9 am appointment daily unless I had to make a long-distance appointment, when I would ring if I was unavailable to come. As there was no training required, we agreed on a discount, as for me, it was easy money and very enjoyable to get paid just for walking a dog.
Along the route we took, we passed several benches with small brass plates. These were dedicated benches designed to remember family members who had passed away. An example would be…
“This bench is dedicated to Sara Smith, who walked her dog here every day.”
There had to be around 15 of these benches with similar dedications. It wasn’t the number of benches or the dedications that made the major impression on me; it was the ages of the deceased. Only one had lived longer than 63 years of age, and being in my fifties for the first time in my life, I gave thought to my own vulnerabilities. Occasionally, if I had a quiet day, I would take a few moments to sit and admire the view, all the while stroking Sam, which he absolutely adored.
One day it occurred to me that maybe a change of route would benefit Sam as it would provide new scents and a change of environment. I suggested the change would be beneficial, and Mrs Giles happily agreed.
The new route took us close to the Truro River, named after the city.
As we wandered along without a care in the world, we approached a public house. Sam suddenly froze, sat and refused to move. I tried coaxing him forward and pulling him as well, but he was obviously distressed, so I decided to retrace my steps. If you are wondering why I didn’t force the issue and physically force Sam forward, many years ago, I read the true story of a dog that refused to cross a bridge despite the owner’s best efforts. Three days later, part of the bridge collapsed! There are documented incidents where guide dogs have refused to move forward as they are aware of hidden dangers that even sighted people can’t observe.
We returned to Sam’s home and I recounted the event to Mrs Giles, who turned pale and tears came to her eyes. Whilst a mere mortal such as myself is unable to fully understand what took place, the explanation said it all.
“That was where my husband Frank had his heart attack.”
“To sit with a dog on a hillside in a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing is not boring, just peaceful.”
Milan Kundera
With subtitle or not?