Something I did not expect from being a first time puppy parent is the amount of people who would end up talking to me, just because I have a dog! In the last week I have had at least three conversations per day with someone I don’t know, in public, because I’m holding a dog.

Yesterday I was walking passed the local Council, when a woman spotted me from across the road. She hastened her pace and directed herself towards me. She was someone that I wouldn’t usually talk to, as her appearance was quite unusual. ‘Oh what breed is she?’ ‘A Chihuahua.’ And then we entered into the most wonderful lengthy conversation about everything and anything to do with our dogs. This Lady, who I never would have thought to talk to before, was so sweet and kind! And I parted ways with her feeling uplifted and happy, and with a wider outlook.

Today I was sat on a bench in the garden centre, when a woman and man approached me. Again, we entered into the most interesting and fulfilling conversation about dogs. But the conversation led onto the most hilarious stories of how this Lady rescued a duckling, and tried to take it to local supermarkets. Before I realised, a passing garden centre staff member had also stopped and joined in the conversation. So four of us were chatting away and having a great time.

This happens every day, and countless times a day. And I love it! And now I accept that when I enter into any public environment with my dog, I will have conversations with many different people. So while a dog brings you companionship, it also brings you company from members of the community…who also have dogs.