Adventures in Dogwalking: Nikki

The night before my weekly dogwalking gig, I check the SPCA website to give me an idea of what pooches are going to be there to walk the next day. I realized that my number one favorite, Bruno, was no longer listed at the Surrey location, nor did a search involving other locations turn up his profile. I hoped that meant he had finally found a deserving home.

Unfortunately, upon enquiry this morning, it only meant he had been transfered to the Vancouver location. I hope someone can give him a home there!

The dog I walked today was named Nikki. In contrast to the usual big dogs I walk, Nikki was a small little Pomeranian/Eskimo dog cross. Usually I find these kinds of dogs yappy and annoying, but Nikki completely won me over. She didn't bark even once during our walk, quickly learned that she was to walk behind me instead of in front of me, and for once I didn't have to deal with any challenges to or from other dogs. It was the easiest walk I've had in a long time.

Of course, one of the most rewarding things about dogwalking is playtime with the dogs! Nikki was no exception. I quickly found out she knew sit, off, how to come when called, and stay (it seems staying in one place until told to come is difficult for dogs to comprehend, but Nikki stayed still even as I walked alllllll the way to the other side of the pen. And when I finally called her to me, she eagerly jumped up and ran to me and rubbed up against my legs). Even better, instead of taking the treats I offered for her good behavior (call it bribery if you will, but most dogs need something to motivate them to follow you, and food is universally accepted) she always chose to snuggle against me for hugs as a reward. On the rare time she did take the treat, she just held it in her mouth for a while, and then dropped it on the ground and left it there. She knew what the word 'up' meant, and when I said it while tapping on one of the benches, she backed up, wiggled her bum and jumped up onto the bench, where we would sit together and she would press against me and I would pet her soft fur (she was like a big, fluffy pillow).

Our walk was cut short because she had to go to the groomers, but after finding out that she was an owner surrender, I ask myself, "Why?" Everyone has their reasons, but after all the other dogs that I've walked, Nikki seemed like a piece of cake to take care of.

Even so, with her sweet disposition and her cute little face, I'm sure she'll be adopted soon.