A couple of years ago, my cousin went on holiday to Spain for a fortnight, and she asked if I could look after her golden retriever, Barnaby. I’ve always been quite fond of dogs, but I’d never actually had sole responsibility for one before, so it was a bit of a leap in the dark for me.
Barnaby was an absolute bundle of energy, so my daily routine had to change pretty drastically. Every morning, I had to wake up around six o’clock to take him for a brisk walk in the local park before heading to work. Golden retrievers need plenty of exercise, otherwise they can get quite restless and chew things up. Apart from the walks, I had to measure out his meals twice a day, make sure his water bowl was topped up, and brush his coat because he was shedding like mad. On rainy afternoons, I also spent ages wiping down his muddy paws before letting him back into the flat.
To be honest, the whole experience was a bit of an eye-opener. In the beginning, I felt quite overwhelmed because I hadn’t realised just how much time and dedication a pet demands. You can’t just decide to stay out late with friends after work when an animal is waiting at home for dinner and a walk. However, after a few days, Barnaby and I settled into a lovely rhythm. He became incredibly affectionate, curling up by my feet while I watched television in the evenings. By the time my cousin returned, I felt a genuine sense of accomplishment, though I must admit I was secretly relieved to hand back the responsibility.