16/08/2025
Not my usual post unfortunately however I am deeply saddened reading about the poor English bulldog in Scotland that suffered due to the hands of a supposed professional dog walker!
This dog walker took this poor dog out in 27 degree heat apparently for a 20 minute walk however from pick up to drop off was approx an hour. The dog was showing signs of heatstroke/heat exhaustion and instead of owning up and doing the right thing he choose to take the cowardly way out, took this dog back to its home hoping he wouldn't be caught, left it to suffer and pass away on its own. The owner returned a few hours later to find this poor two year old pup passed away. Thankfully the neighbours ring doorbell footage captured him carrying the barely lifeless pup into the house and leaving a few moments later.
This time of year with the weather being the way it is we have to constantly prepare, change plans and put the dogs safety and welfare FIRST at all times! Cancelling walks may mean loosing out on money however I'd take that any day to make sure my happy adventures crew are safe and looked after rather than risk a walk in the heat!
Heatstroke is a killer, it happens very quickly and you often don't have long to react and get a dog immediate help when this occurs however prevention is the best option - no dog ever died from not having a walk but many die from heatstroke.
Now please if you have a dog walker and you feel like they are not putting your pups safety first and making them a priority then please think about finding someone else! Dog walkers who are doing this job to actually care for, love you pup like their own and put your dogs needs first before money are the ones that care, the ones that will put money back into business to make improvements like safety crates, aircon fans and training etc all to make sure you pups needs are highest priority. However the ones that are in it for the money, that don't put the dogs needs first and just don't care are a disgrace to this profession and give the rest of us a bad name!
I really hope someday soon that we are licensed and regulated as this will benefit the industry massively. When I cancel walks due to the heat it does not benefit me in any way it benefits the dogs and keeps them safe!
My thoughts go out to that poor pup and its owner 💔
