BorrowMyDoggy - good stories?

[W0rriedMum]

Hi,
We would all love a dog but work ft so think it might be too unfair to leave a dog between 8-4 every day, even with a dog walker. However I am taking a 3 month break from work now and can see myself going for long walks with a nice companion.

Is BorrowMyDoggy any good as a borrower? I don't mind the money too much but a couple of people have been negative about it and have said the owners can be entitled. We live in an urban area so hopefully there would be a decent supply.

Thoughts?

I've been a borrower and a lot of the owners who contacted me were taking the piss somewhat - wanting me to drive 20 minutes each way every day to take their dog out etc etc but we did meet one lovely dog that we borrowed for a bit after his owner had a relationship break up.
It works but only if you agree terms and are open about what you both need/ can offer

I have been a borrower and had owners wanting me to pay for a parking permit and turn up the same time every day.

I get the impression that owners essentially want the services of a professional dog walker for free.

I put one of my young dogs on the web site when I was unable to walk after breaking my leg. At the time no one contacted me that was suitable and I just left my details on the website. I have never asked people to walk instead of using a using a dog walker but I now have a woman who comes and walks one of my dogs once a fortnight through the borrow my doggy site. We have become friends and my dog adores her, so everyone is happy.

I've had just started and walk dogs for two different owners and so far it has been working brilliantly. One approached me and I usually do one walk a week in the day if needed. For the other dog it has been left as I can text and ask for the dog when it is convenient for me. Both owners have been very accommodating about my desire for my children to spend time with dogs so walking the dogs at different times.
I suspect many of the ones who are taking the mick are quite obvious in their intentions when you meet them.

When I was in a similar situation to you I volunteered as a dog walker at one of the local rescues. I could go as an when I wanted

I know someone who is a borrower as she cannot, at present, have a dog of her own. She sometimes just walks a dog but often has a dog for a weekend. As far as I know she has had no problems and has looked after some lovely dogs.

I was a dog borrower before we got a dog. It helped me become more confident about my decision to get a dog.
My experience was definitely that the owners thought of me as the (free) dog walker but I also got what I wanted out of it which was some dog experience an understanding of different breeds and a daily walk.

Thanks all. It sounds like as long as I'm firm in what I can/can't do, I should be okay
Will post back when I start!!