My First Walk With WAGS
By Jacky Walsh
I first heard about WAGS through my sister Mary. She was invited along by a member, Heather Voce. She would come home and excitedly tell me of the wonderful walk she had been on with the club, with her beloved bearded collie Willow. Sadly Mary passed away on the 5th March, and so in her memory I wanted to attend one of these organised walks with my beloved Rottweiler Ryley.
My beloved Ryley.
So, on 4th April Heather and her husband Tony and their German Shepherd JD picked me up and we set off to join all the other members at Pepperbox Hill, in Salisbury. It was a glorious day, the sun was shining and we arrived to a throng of German Shepherds and their owners. I was immediately made to feel welcome, as was Ryley. Once everyone had arrived that was due to walk, we set off. I was amazed by the number of dogs, all walking together.
JD and Ryley
The dogs clearly loved running together as a pack, and Kay the Organizer was seen, every now and then, capturing the essence of the comradeship of both dogs and owners with her camera. I felt, it was not only an occasion for the dogs to gather together, but also a social event for the owners.
I’m not quite sure how far we walked, but I would assume it was about 4 miles, set in the most beautiful countryside with wide open spaces for the dogs to exert their energies.
Of course, with any pack of dogs, there will be disagreements. However, every owner was observant of their dog or dogs, and dealt with any discrepancy that arose between them. I personally felt very relaxed, as I realised the owners of these German Shepherds were committed to ensuring their dogs were under control at all times.
WAGS walk
Having arrived back to base camp (the carpark), it was time for the dogs to take their rest, and some water, and for the owners to enjoy a drink and some refreshments.
It was a time where discussions could be held regarding any incidents that had occurred between dogs and it was done without pointing fingers, but rather with understanding and with a view to how it could be avoided in the coming walks. I found this to be encouraging, as we all as dog owners wish for our dogs to be well rounded and balanced.
Those in the group who had some knowledge of dog behaviour and training imparted some ideas that were of great value. In essence, it was a time of reflection of the afternoons activities, but was not heavy but impartial and non-confrontational.
WAGS walk
There was also a raffle, and as the new girl, I was given the honour of selecting the raffle ticket winners. Embarrassingly enough, the last ticket to be pulled was in fact my own. However, as it was a bottle of wine, and as I was exhausted by this point, and could view myself enjoying a glass that evening, I eagerly accepted it. I very much look forward to partaking in subsequent organised walks, and wish to thank Kay and the Club members for allowing me to join them.
Ryley was exhausted when he got home, and slept for the remainder of the evening. But I could tell, he had had a fantastic time, and so from him also woof woof (thank you).
