Meet Walter. He reminds me very much of myself at the moment – reluctant to get up, not that happy about going for a walk (especially in the unbearable heatwave (giving us a respite at the moment thankfully) that we have been suffering these past few weeks), and happy to sleep pretty much all day when he’s not eating.
No, he’s not ours, he belongs to friends, and as the Small People have been going on and on about having a dog for a long time, when his owners said he needed a home full of constant company for a few days while they went away, I asked if we could have him so they could experience the reality of owning a pet slightly larger than King Max (who is still going strong by the way at the geriatric hamster age of almost 3!)… Plus it was nice to have an excuse just to be at home for a while after a pretty hectic time of travelling.
Surprisingly, the small people embraced both the good and bad sides of owning a dog, taking it in turns to let Walter out in the morning, helping with his breakfast and dinner, and yes, poop patrol (although I insisted they didn’t help with this bit!)…
With temperatures averaging 38 degrees for a few days, our main walking time-frame was in the evening when it was more bearable for all of us, and Walt and I regularly enjoyed watching the two more energetic members of my family chuck themselves down our local sledging hill.
Bavaria is an incredibly dog-friendly place, and whilst it’s not unusual to see dogs in restaurants, supermarkets and at the airport, we discovered there are also places that they aren’t allowed – swimming lakes for example, and a local bierfest where dogs were strictly “verboten”.
Do we miss Walter now he’s gone home? Yes, we do. It was great fun having a dog for a few days, and no part of the experience put us off. It took a good few days to get used to not hearing the click clack click of tiny doggy nails on our stone floor of an evening!
Would we get a dog? Yes, I think we will in a few years once we are finally able to put roots down somewhere.
And the person who surprised me most (and who Walter was very much in love with following him everywhere?) when it came to all matters hund? Mr R, who originally claimed that we wouldn’t ever own one. I overheard many a funny “conversation” between the two (Walter snorts back!), he even enjoyed taking him for walks late at night before turning in, and seemed to positively missed his little hairy friend for the first few days after returning him to his owners.
So, if you are thinking of getting a dog, might I suggest you borrow a friend’s for a few days? It’s the only way you get to experience what it’s really like, and expose kids to the reality of how fantastic it can be, but also how it limiting it can be at times (they weren’t happy about not going swimming that day – I however was thrilled – lakes and I don’t get on!)…
You never know, it might also change the mind of your family’s most ardent opposer (who is still going on about missing him!)…
Ting at My Travel Monkey says
Walter is adorable. I think you’re right – it’s a good idea to borrow a dog for a few days! I may suggest that to my husband who is desperate for a bull dog!
Emma says
Definitely the way to go! Thanks Ting! :)
VaiChin @RamblingThroughParenthood says
How cute is he! I like that you got a bit of trial run to help you decide about owning your own dog.
Emma says
It’s a great way to decide whether it’s a good idea or not! Thank you! :)
Sarah Christie says
Ah he is so so cute, we have a dog and are so lucky that he can visit his grandparents when we travel which is lots lately. In fact walking his every day is my salvation a little me time alone out in the countryside. I think we both look forward to it every day x
Emma says
I think that’s what really appeals to me. Will have to move somewhere and put roots down properly first! Thanks Sarah! :)
Jess Howliston says
Aw Walt is very cute! My little boy keeps on about wanting a dog but I think we will wait a few years until he is a little older and more able to understand everything that comes with owning a dog! x
Emma says
Always a good idea, but it’s also nice when they grow up together I think! :) Thanks Jess.
Ninajcat says
AWWH I am more of a cat person but this dog looks cute as a button
Emma says
He is incredibly cute! Thank you! :)
Kara says
OMG he is so adorable
Emma says
Isn’t he? Thanks Kara! :)
Rebecca Smith says
Aww love the pictures of Walter, so cute! Great idea seeing how your family coped with a friend’s dog before getting your own x
Emma says
Thanks Rebecca! :)
Stephs Two Girls says
That is such a great idea, and I’m sure I’d need to do that to persuade my other half to get one….!
Emma says
Find a friend, quick! :D
Jen says
This is how we became owners of Alvin, after sharing Buddy, Frugal Families dog for a few days.
Emma says
Aha, it really does work then! :D Thanks Jen! :)
Laura says
Gorgeous photos!
Emma says
Thanks Laura!
Gemma says
Aw he is adorable!
Emma says
He’s a real character! Thanks Gemma! (:
Sam Thurley says
Ooooo I love Walt, what a good idea to get some experience. Seems like everyone had a fab time including Walt xxx
Emma says
We all loved it! Thanks Sam! :)
Sonia says
Awww I want him!!! He’s adorable, we have been thinking about getting a French Bulldog recently… well I have and have been trying to convince my oh ;) Not having much luck though x
Emma says
I think they are such a lovely family friendly breed, but if you want a faster dog for walks and running, this might not be the breed to pick! Thanks Sonia! (:
Erica Price says
He looks like a cutie – I like the idea of borrowing a dog, but I don’t think I’d want one full time.
Emma says
I think they can be a tie can’t they? When we eventually come home and don’t get to do as much travelling, I will consider it properly! :D
Charly Dove says
Ahh Walt seems like a brilliant dog! It must have been weird to have him around but great too for the kids to see what it’s like to look after a dog. Gosh 38 degrees is super hot, you must be boiling Mrs – I hope you’re resting a bit :)
Emma says
Thanks Charly, it’s cooled down a bit thankfully – that was too hot! :D
JuggleMum, Nadine Hill says
Aww Walter! He’s so cute and I love how he sits with his back legs crossed. Great little character!
Emma says
He always sits with his legs crossed, so funny! Thank you !(:
Rachel says
Oh how I want him, so so cute x
Emma says
He is isn’t he? Thank you! (:
Victoria says
I love this, I wish you were closer so you could have Spike, he’d love that!! He probably wouldn’t be as well behaved as Walt though!!xx
Emma says
I don’t know after his recent transformation!! :D xxx
Sarah Ebner says
He looks gorgeous, but I totally agree that this is a great idea. Always need to get some idea of the reality before jumping in (I would love to borrow one for a few days actually!)
Emma says
It is definitely a great idea to see what it’s really like. I was surprised how much we missed him when he went home though! :D Thanks Sarah!
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo says
I’ve often thought of doing just that, to see how we’d get on, but although I know about all the positives, and many of the negatives, I just don’t think a dog would fit our lifestyle, as we like to spontaneously go away for weekends and longer often. I certainly don’t want to have to be limited to doggy places and don’t want the extra expense/bother of kennels or finding a friend to dog sit each time….But borrowing one every now and then could be fun! I wish we’d found your swimming lake when we were in Munich last week, we were soooo hot!
Emma says
I think I would only truly consider it when we are close to family/friends with dogs that we can “swap” with to make life that bit easier! So glad you enjoyed Munich, yes the lakes are great places to cool off, our local one was a little like Brighton beach recently though! :D
angela hamilton says
aww Walter is adorable!! We have a dog called Belle, she is 11 months old and she is brilliant with the kids and they love her. They like to help look after her (although me and hubby are on poop duties). x
Emma says
Thanks Angela! (:
Grace says
I loved this – great pictures as well. It really made me smile. You can always come and practice on our menagerie! x
Emma says
Thanks Mum :D xx
Beate says
Awww, love the pictures of Walter. So cute. What a great way to get a doggy experience by doggysitting a friend’s dog :) I’m happy it was a good experience for all of you. Keith and I would love to have a dog, too…I wonder what our neighbor’s cat would say though – since he spends half his time with us ;)
Have a great rest of the week and enjoy the cooler air :)
Emma says
I am sure the cat would love reigning supreme over a dog! Thanks Beate, definitely grateful for the cooler air! :)