I have walked various dogs for several people in my village over the years. I walked Rocky, then he came to live with me until he died. I've decided not to have another dog, but still continue to walk dogs for friends on an 'as and when', basis. People know me round here, they expect to see me with a dog, and I sometimes get asked if I can help out. I like it that way and I don't want the commitment of walking one every day.
I've been walking Jade for four weeks because the regular walker went away. Then he came back, now he has gone away again. I did another week and said I would try and find a new walker for Jade. Success, I found a lovely lady to do it, a real dog lover who is happy to do every day.
On Tuesday I'm going to take Bailey the poodle out, his owner is elderly and still walks him twice a day, but she is going out for lunch so I will do the afternoon walk. She leaves coffee and biscuits out for me, I always sit with him for half an hour after the walk and read the paper.
I would say, if you haven't got a dog and fancy walking one, offer to walk a friends dog, or a neighbours. I know loads of people and dogs in my village. It's a great way to be sociable.
Ilona