How BorrowMyDoggy helped cured my four-legged phobia

I'd asked for a Labrador, the only breed of dog I had no fear of thanks to Rusty, my Ayrshire grandpa's gentle pet who had only a stump for a tail after a grisly encounter with a train door.

My inquiry was answered by a man who said he didn't have a Lab but two good-natured 'Doodles'  that he was sure I'd get along with. 

Every Friday at 9am, I collect Rosie and Jess for a morning walk before I'm tethered to my desk on what is usually our busiest day at Herald Towers.

Herald reporter Caroline Wilson with Rosie (right) and Jess (Image: Newsquest)

I'm among the 1 million members of BorrowMyDoggy, which connects dog owners with trusted local sitters and walkers and has benefits for all participants.

The animals get socialisation and exercise, their owners save money on sitters and walkers, like me, enjoy a weekly dose of dog therapy.

Caroline's eight-year-old rescue cat Elsie (Image: Newsquest)

I grew up with cats and they have been a constant in my adult life. I understand every tail flick and eye blink but my early experiences with dogs (apart from Rusty) were not positive.

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As a pre-schooler a yappy, coiffured poodle called Dusty terrorised me on our street. When I was ten, a boisterous collie ran out and took a bite out of my new trousers and much later in life a terrier sank its teeth into my ankle.

Over the years, though and despite my fears the idea of a dog padding alongside me on my walks and runs has grown more appealing.

Borrow my Doggy has members in every UK postcode (Image: Newsquest)

BorrowMyDoggy is a great way for adults and children to 'try before you buy'. If the kids (or grown up) start to tire of that weekly walk, it's probably wise to consider getting another pet.

Rosie and Jess's owner Charlie Irvine says a few of his walkers have gone on to get their own dogs after spending time with 'the girls'.

"We’ve been using BorrowMyDoggy for nearly ten years now, and it’s worked really well for us," he says.

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"The borrowers tend to be absolute dog-lovers, and are often students with a pup at home who are missing the company. 

"Some take them for walks; some build in time back at their flat for a cuddle. 

Rosie and Jess have helped Herald reporter Caroline Wilson conquer her fear of dogs (Image: Newsquest)

"The routine is pretty simple.  We arrange a “meetup” in a park and as soon as they meet the dogs it’s clear that most are very comfortable with them and off they go for a first walk. 

"The next time they come to the door Jess and Rosie will be incredibly excited – another new pal – and off they trot. 

"Some borrowers stay with us for years; others for a few months, perhaps because they’ve finished studying.  Then we go back on the site and start things off again.

"It's been a really simple but great idea for us."

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Rikke Rosenlund launched BorrowMyDoggy in 2012 and the website now has 1 million members in 99% of UK postcodes.

"I borrowed a very cute brown Labrador back in 2012 and we spent the entire day together and I remember thinking why are people spending so much money on dog walkers and kennels or leaving a dog at home when I would love to take care of a dog for free.

"I went to a business start-up event and tested the idea and within three days I had 85 people signed up.

"There was literally everything from students who were missing their dogs to young professionals and an old man in Cornwall who had just had an operation and needed some help walking his dog.

"Some people borrow a dog and decide it absolutely is the right thing for them but perhaps realise they might want a different breed.

"There are others who might borrow one because the kids are begging for it but then the kids realise you have to walk them every morning."

Borrowers pay around £12.99 for a year's membership and everyone is covered by insurance and has access to a 24/7 vet line.

"The majority borrow a dog once a week," says the founder. "Some people just want to socialise their dogs so they are happy to have a few walkers."

Spending time with Rosie and Jess has enriched my life in the way that all animals do.

I'm certain they walk a bit closer to me even off the lead when I'm feeling sad or anxious and wee Rosie will sometimes linger on the step for a last cuddle when I return them to Charlie.

Am I cool as a cucumber when another dog comes bounding up to in the park?

No, but thanks to BorrowMyDoggy I've patted a few other furry heads in the street and hope I’ll be lending my own pet out in the not too distant future.