DogCast Radio
Home Episodes Articles Blog Breed profiles Book reviews Photos Contact

When Nature Calls

Usually when you're walking your dog, any thoughts of a toilet nature are concerned with what the dog is doing. Sometimes, however, the "call of nature" is speaking to you, and at that point if you're out alone with your dog, just what do you do?

We had arrived at a country park to walk our two, and I was just visiting the ladies before the walk, when as I emerged from the building, a lady almost ran straight into me on her way in. She had two beautiful Huskies on leash, which she promptly pushed into my hand, merely slowing her approach to the toilet block but not stopping.

“Look after them please!” she called over her shoulder.

I was amazed. I know how carefully I choose who looks after my dogs if I’m not there, so I was extremely surprised to have such a responsibility thrust on me by a stranger.

“Do you want me to stand in the toilet block?” I called after her, but she didn’t feel that was necessary. I wanted to ask, “Shall I at least whistle then?” so that she would know I was there and hadn’t absconded with her dogs.

I took the Huskies over to where the rest of my party was, and all four dogs got acquainted. In the photo you can see Buddy doing his customary passive lying down behaviour, accompanied by a sideways look that says, “Don’t hurt me!” All that despite the fact that he probably weighed the same as both dogs put together! Star was a little more aloof, and waited to see how they treated Buddy before she got involved, which is unusual for her, but she has along memory, and a Malamute once trod on her.

The Huskies owner returned and reclaimed her dogs, and said she’d known they’d be alright with me as I had my own dogs. It is a good measure of a person’s character if they have a dog, but I’m not sure I’d wager my dog’s safety and security on it.

So I don’t have an answer to what you do when out alone with your dog and the call of nature is heard, but I can assure you the Huskies in question were safely handed back to their owner. So if you are ever caught short, and you spy a stout woman with an slightly less stout Labrador and a cheeky looking Bichon, you can rely on me. Otherwise you’re on your own!

If you’ve listened to our interview with Stephen Foster in Episode 77 of DogCast Radio, there’s a piece in today’s Times by Stephen you might be interested in.

In other news, the BBC has finally made its decision on whether or not to cover Crufts 2009. And the decision is “not”. There is much discussion of this in forums, and what made me smile was on some sites the BBC’s coverage is slated as concentrating too much on “other stuff” and not enough on showing, while on other sites, posters complain that too much showing and not enough agility and obedience are shown! I guess the BBC just can’t win that one. What remains to be seen is who will step in and cover the event?

Take care,

Julie x

Sharing

273 - dog parkour and dog news discussion

Dog trainer Emma Hendy explains how Dog Parkour can help your bond with your dog, and give you both a new mindset. Julie gives her opinion on some dog news stories which caught her attention.

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.