Brits and their dogs
11/19/2015
We have a lot in common with the British, not only a shared language (which is not always recognizable as the same language- we are like Darwin's finches: send us off to isolated islands and watch how our language adapts in parallel as we find our own niches…) We also share our love of animals, especially our dog and cat companions. Dogs go everywhere in the UK. The beach, streets, cafés, trains, busses, castle gardens,...
They are mostly on leashes and when they are not, they still seem to know who they are with and keep up despite detours to catch a sniff. At least in our little town and on our travels, we have not seen stray dogs.
The people are so used to dogs being around that they don't generally stop to pet them. People seem to understand that the dogs are focused on their owners and don't try to distract them. A dog on the train is generally ignored and ignores everyone very much like a working service dog. It is amazing how well-behaved British dogs are in a crowd. The seasoned travelers are well socialized and focused on what is expected of them next. The dogs are not unfriendly and most people seem to enjoy watching them from a distance—especially as they romp on the beach so carefree! There just seems to be a harmony of understanding in the general population that you don't mess with someone else's dog. Of course there are risks to this lifestyle and possibly more bites. Or maybe not with so many well-socialized dogs and dog-smart people?
Not to forget the cats, there are plenty of "crazy cat ladies and gents" here as well. We see more outdoor cats here, but many with collars and beds set up on porches to come home to. And the best thing I've learned so far is that the Bristol University vet school clinic has been a "cat friendly" practice for over 20 years (long before it became a "thing"). They keep the cats separated from the dogs and do their best to make the veterinary experience a quiet, low stress one.
My husband has been collecting UK dog photos and I will link some here soon.
The cats have been a bit more elusive so far. No photos yet.