POOCHES

A Perthshire dog owner who kept experiencing other dogs being aggressive plans to open an exercise field where anxious pets and their owners can come to feel at ease.

Michelle Mitchell, wife of Perth Show’s current chair Mark, was tired of dealing with a range of situations when boisterous or aggressive dogs either attacked or frightened her own pets.

There were incidents when out walking her dogs in public open spaces that left Michelle and her own animals feeling traumatised and expecting things to happen instead of enjoying being outside.

She had to deal with big dogs that were looking for a fight or over-friendly dogs which rushed up when off the lead.

Michelle, who lives at Airntully near Stewart Tower in Murthly, said with lockdown more people were walking in the same places and things became increasingly difficult and as she and her two dogs – a Labrador and a border terrier – became weary of others approaching.

“So many times my two were threatened by other dogs. All the joy of a walk was disappearing. I could never relax,” she told the PA.

“What’s more, is I know it is not just me experiencing it.

“A lot of people tell me they associate seeing other dogs approaching them with an anxious situation for all concerned.”

So now, because the Mitchells had a bit of land to spare, they decided to fence a field and allow it to be turned into a bookable open space for other owners to visit, knowing while inside the dog field there would be freedom, no hazards, no confrontations, no worries.

Michelle said: “We are pretty ‘doggy’ people and we thought there would be others who would welcome a big, enclosed, private exercise space to enjoy interacting with their pets and there was nothing in existence around here.

“To do something similar, I think you have to go to Blairgowrie and I know there is one in Auchterarder.

“We’ve been very encouraged hearing from others who had bad experiences and lots of folk expressed an interest in booking a slot in the exercise field if we created this place.”

The field at Murthly will be open for bookings soon, there are a few permissions with Perth and Kinross Council to get back, but the scheme to give anxious owners and their dogs peace of mind will be running soon, expected to open in the new year.

There will be a double gated entrance and deer fence wire perimeter enclosing the acresized field.

Michelle went on to note that what added to the experience of paying to book a slot in the Murthly field was they were offering a warm water shower to clean off mucky mutts after a good play.

“Another reason that coming here would be appealing – more for the owners than the dogs – is it’s right next to the lovely Stewart Tower coffee shop and ice cream sales,” Michelle added.

To register interest in the new business, email mrsmmitchell@ gmail.com