Dog Walkers

“Tails” of a Middle-aged Dog Walker

By Jill Maddams.

For many years, I would drive by The Toronto Humane Society and notice the dog walkers go by and think that, maybe, that would be something I'd like to do for a half hour or so now and then. So, one day I sauntered in, hoping to grab a dog and go for a short walk. Surprisingly, I was informed that I would have to fill out an application (including references) and then attend an orientation followed by a two hour training session. While this was a little more effort than I had anticipated, I figured I may as well see it through. Also, we were asked for a commitment of two hours a week which seemed like a lot to me.

I discovered that the THS is one of the few organizations of its kind that has such a dog walking programme. The dogs are colour coded according to difficulty with green being the lowest and then working up to yellow and then orange. The "red" dogs need more training and are handled by volunteers with more extensive experience.

After finishing my training I became a "yellow level" walker and started on my way. A good percentage of the dogs in the shelter are of the "dreaded" pit bull variety, many of them being cross breeds. I had little experience with dogs and I admit, my knowledge of pit bulls was only what I had read in the media. So, it was with a little trepidation that I took on the task. Most of my friends were supportive, but a few thought I had really lost it. What was a middle aged woman doing walking these often very large dogs, some with "shady" backgrounds.

After a few weeks, I was asked by another walker if I was "hooked" yet. I was a little baffled as I was enjoying my new "job" but not really sure what she meant. After several months my volunteer time started increasing and I found I was indeed "hooked". Suddenly these dogs who had been merely a number in a cage became my four legged friends, each with their own endearing personalities. And the pit bull crosses actually became my favourite breed. I discovered that they are very affectionate, tenatious and loyal. A short while later I graduated to an "Orange" level, learning some new skills in dog training.

The THS has a "no kill" policy which means that some dogs are available for adoption for quite a while. But they all eventually find good homes. When a dog gets adopted (especially a long timer) it is a cause for great celebration amongst the volunteers. After a year and a half I still remember many dogs I have walked with great fondness. One was a real sweetie named "Roots". She was a six year old Staff/Pit cross who had lost her owner and was in a deep depression. I volunteered to foster "Roots" until she snapped out of it. Every Sunday I took her to visit my father who was a war vet living at Sunnybrook's Veterans Wing. "Roots" loved meeting the vets and they loved her, too. Her visits brought joy to many including my father. I'm happy to say that "Roots" has now found a permanent home.

One of my most adventurous moments involved a wily hound named "Charlie". "Charlie" seemed very complacent but when it came time to return to his kennel he would refuse to go back into the building. One day he pulled so hard on his leash he slipped out of his collar. "Charlie" barrelled back down the driveway and straight up Bayview Avenue with me in hot pursuit. Realizing I'd never catch him on foot, I flagged down a car. The woman drivng was amazing. As we chased after "Charlie" she was signalling to oncoming traffic to slow down. "Dog on the loose" she was hollering out the window. We cornered "Charlie" at the Rosedale Valley exit but "no way" was he going to be caught. Up the valley he went with me, now on foot, chasing him. Halfway through the valley, I gave up and hitched a ride back to the THS. I jumped in my car and drove up to Bloor Street driving the area for about an hour. No "Charlie". Feeling very dejected I returned to the THS. Not to worry, I was told, "Charlie"s back. He was found sitting in on the front steps of a house near Bloor and Church looking very contrite. By the way, "Charlie" was adopted a short time later.

I have also met some very interesting people during the last year and a half I have been walking dogs. Regular volunteers include a published author, a magazine editor, a talent agent and an aspiring screen writer. Not to mention the colourful street people in the area around Queen and River Streets.

Now averaging about sixty hours a month, I'm out there even on the worst days but the benefits have been terrific. Instead of being a winter couch potato I'm now getting a lot more exercise and fresh air. I'm in better shape than I've ever been with biceps to prove it. And all for the price of a good pair of walking shoes and a leash. Of course, the most rewarding part is the gratitude of the dogs who are so thankful to get out for some fresh air and exercise.

Jill Maddams.