Latest news with #BorrowMyDoggy
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Scots dog lovers swiping right on 'dating-style' app to 'borrow' a puppy
Dog-lending service BorrowMyDoggy, where people are matched up with four-legged-friends, comes without the long-term commitment of owning a pet. More than 100,000 Scots dog lovers are swiping right on a canine dating-style app to 'borrow' a pup without the long-term commitment of owning a pet. Dog-lending service BorrowMyDoggy, where people are matched up with four-legged-friends, say they've now hit six figures across Scotland, with more than 20,000 borrowers in Edinburgh, 15,000 in Glasgow and 9000 in Aberdeen. Dog ownership doesn't suit everyone as the rush to buy pups during the pandemic showed, with thousands of pets later abandoned or given up, leaving Scotland's rescue centres inundated. The website has over a million members, with borrowers spanning all age groups and members ranging from people working, students and retirees to families with young children. Rikke Rosenlund, who founded BorrowMyDoggy in 2012 after taking care of a neighbour's dog, said: 'We now have more than 100,000 borrowers sign up in Scotland since we launched the app, which is an absolutely fantastic number. 'The app allows dog lovers to sign up to borrow a four-legged friend for a few hours a week as a stress reliever, combat loneliness or to try-before-they buy a pet themselves. 'If you are feeling isolated, borrowing a dog can help you feel less alone. Taking care of a dog requires a certain level of responsibility, from feeding them to walking them -- making sure they stay healthy to keeping them safe.' Retired marine engineer Iain Bell, 79, from Lenzie in East Dunbartonshire, has one of the longest-running pairings since the service was founded. He has walked over 5000 miles with borrowed sidekick Nero, 11, over the last decade. Iain said: 'My daughter in law signed me up for the app because she thought I was lonely when I was going out walking to get some exercise after I had a heart attack 10 years ago. 'It has been very beneficial for me in terms of my physical health and mental wellbeing. The retired engineer in me set a target of walking six miles a day after the heart attack and that's what we aim for during our walks.' Iain, who collects Nero from his home in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, up to three times a week, said he had become very attached to Nero over a decade of walkies. He added: 'Nero and I get along really very well and he is a great wee friend. Nero loves his walks and it is an added incentive for me to make the effort and get out walking to try to stay fit. 'I would recommend borrowing a dog for anyone who can't, for whatever reason, have a dog of their own.' Nero's owner Claire Stewart, of Uddingston, says a break-up with her partner meant she might have had to consider rehoming Nero if it hadn't been for Iain and BorrowMyDoggy. She said: 'Iain started borrowing Nero when he was just a puppy. My then partner and I worked full time so BorrowMyDoggy seemed like such a great option. 'I loved the idea of someone who wanted to spend time with a dog, but maybe not be able to commit to one full time, being able to build a real bond with him. 'When my partner and I separated Iain's help became vital as I tried to balance a full-time job in the NHS with making sure Nero got enough attention and exercise. 'All my friends worked during the day like I did, so I really would have had to consider rehoming him without Iain's support.' 'Nero goes berserk whenever he sees Iain's car pull up. I'm so glad he's stuck with us all these years.'
The Sun
6 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Three ways to get the benefit of having a cat or dog without having to spend thousands
SPENDING time with a cat or dog can help reduce stress and loneliness. But with the cost of food and vet visits, owning a furry, four-legged friend can run into thousands of pounds a year. Instead, try these ways to tap into the some of the benefits of having a pet. . . VISIT A CAT CAFE: These are popping up across the country where you can have a cuppa and slice of cake and enjoy spending some quality time with feline friends. Each is run slightly differently, but you may need to book in advance and can expect to pay an entrance fee for a timed slot. In some cases that will come with a free drink, or you may need to buy refreshments separately. They are not as common, but there are also dog cafes in London and Newcastle among other places. VOLUNTEER: You can offer to help care for pets owned by elderly or terminally ill people through charity Cinnamon Trust. Volunteers could be asked to do dog walks, foster pets when owners are staying in hospital or even brush cats and change littler trays. Sign up online at Once accepted, the trust will match you with people and pets in your local community that need support. The Dogs Trust also looks for off- site dog walking volunteers. I was stunned when I got my dog back from the groomer - I think he might have been switched in the shop See to find roles near you. BORROW A DOGGY: Use website to find dog owners who are looking for people to help care for their dogs. You'll need to set up a profile and specify whether you have children and if you have space at home for a pooch, as well as the times when you are available. Borrowers can look at owners in their area signed up to the site, but you need to be a 'premium member', which costs £12.99 a year, before you can message and arrange to meet. As part of becoming a member you will also need to go through safety checks. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. 7 Deal of the day PULL on a pair of these leopard-print Converse and up your style credentials. Down from £69.99 to £40 at Office. SAVE: £29.99 Cheap treat 7 KEEP your lips in tip-top condition with this sun care lip balm, £2, from Poundland. Top swap REFRESH your mitts with Jo Malone's peony and blush handwash, £36, from John Lewis. Or get a similar experience with Lidl' s Deluxe version, £1.99. SAVE: £34.01 Little helper TESCO now has eight weeks of home delivery and click and collect slots, instead of the usual four, because of the holidays. It also has 15,000 extra slots at stores near holiday spots. Shop & save GET outdoors with this two-person Ozak tent, down from £25 to £19.87 at George from Asda. SAVE: £5.13 PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
