At the age of 10, I finally persuaded my parents we needed a dog.   I had been pestering for several years before, but my promises of  “You won’t have to do anything” and “I’ll walk him every day during the school holidays” and “I’ll clean up all his poo!” finally wore them down and in May 2012 Burdock, the Tibetan Terrier joined our family.  

I would like to say that I kept my promises to the full, but unfortunately, that wasn’t quite the case and my mum has become Burdock’s ‘person’.  Although she periodically grumbles and reminds me of my earlier assurances, I know she secretly loves the role!  I do walk him, clean up after him and feed him, but not very consistently.  I do, however, consistently love him.  It was this thought that made me question what it is that makes so many of us devoted to our dogs.  

According to the RSCPA, over 8.5 million dogs are owned in the UK. Which is an awful lot of dogs!  I realise that not everybody loves their dog, and according to the RSPCA, in 2016 they received a staggering 81,146 complaints of cruelty against dogs.  This is clearly an appalling statistic and one that would baffle any right-minded human being, but it remains that over 8.4 million of us are besotted with our furry friends.  I therefore decided to ask some fellow dog-owners what the appeal is.  

So, on a sunny Sunday morning, Burdock and I approached a random selection of dog-walkers in nearby Bushy Park.  Fortunately, Burdock is much cuter than I am which seemed to encourage people to chat!  Steph, owner of Marney the Airedale, said “We initially got a dog for the kids, but soon realised she was going to be my dog.  I moan about it sometimes, but actually she’s so loving and such good fun, that I can’t imagine being without her now.”  Laura, owner of Billy the Westie, said much the same, “The kids had been on at me for a dog for ages and I finally gave in.  I’ve ended up doing all the walking etc, but I don’t really mind as I love being out with him, and he’s just so cute!”  As I could see a common theme beginning that wouldn’t thrill my mum, I approached Ken, who was slightly older than the ladies I’d spoken to, and owner of Jack the Jack Russell.  He told me “He’s great company for me and gets me out, whatever the weather. He’s better than any gym membership! Wouldn’t be without the little feller.”  Fiona, owner of Phoebe the Labradoodle, said simply “They’re a lot less trouble than children!”

Finally, I asked my mum whether she could imagine being without Burdock now.  “Sweetheart”, she said, “I spend more time with the dog than I do with your dad.  If one of them had to go…!”  I think that says it all, - dogs really are man’s (or woman’s!) best friend.