DOG WALKERS
HELP IS AT HAND FOR HOUSEBOUND OWNERS
Few can deny the joy of a walk through the British countryside with man’s best friend. Yet in these days of coronavirus, the pleasures of a daily dog walk may now be offlimits for many people.
But for Lucy Rose, who runs the dogwalking and training company Ruff and Reddy, that doesn’t mean Cumbria’s canines should be denied their daily exercise. The 27-yearold posted an advert on Facebook offering free dog walks for the elderly, vulnerable, and those who have to selfisolate.
“Dogs need exercise, regardless of what’s going on in the world,” she says. Many people in Lucy’s local town, Grange-over-sands, are elderly, meaning her free walks could become a vital lifeline for those who are housebound; canine and human alike.
“I’m self-employed, so it’s a scary time for me,” she says. “But I wanted to help in whatever way I could.”
Lucy is the sole employee of her company, which she set up in January. She is already seeing the impact of the virus: she has had no new enquiries in the past week. “It’s a shame, but I’m trying my best to carry on,” she adds. Lucy, who owns a Hungarian vizsla and a cocker spaniel, is taking extra precautions before and after each walk and offers to use different leads, if owners are selfisolating, to prevent contamination.
Free dog-walking schemes are cropping up all over the UK. “It’s going to be really valuable to people in difficult situations,” says Peter Whittem, of Manchester-based 21st Century Dogs.
Amy Frankcom, who runs Love Louie in Bristol, has been delivering food and pet supplies free to anyone who is socially isolating in their area.
“There has been a huge demand, particularly from older people,” says Amy. The spirit of Britain’s dog lovers is still alive and kicking.