16/07/2026
What a lovely walk with Minnie today 🥰
Had a lovely relaxed wander around Locke Park and we bumped into Spike again, the Saluki Lurcher. He’s a nervous lad, around other dogs and strangers, but today he was feeling super brave.
Minnie has met him several times, at a distance, but today we stood much closer than we ever have. Not even 6ft away!
We stood and chatted, and every now and then I’d throw a little treat to Spike. Minnie got one too as long as she was sat calmly.
I didn’t make a big fuss of Spike, just a simple ‘hello Spike’ whenever he looked at me.
Minnie was great, and sensed he was wary, so she stayed calm and carried on sniffing around us without imposing herself on Spike.
After so long, he was stood only a foot away from Minnie. Minnie watched him and it was clear that she was keen for him to come closer, but Spike felt he was close enough.
Minnie moved away and sniffed amongst the grass. And then, Spike followed me!
Minnie was oblivious, but Spike stretched forward and sniffed my hand. That’s a massive step for him! Minnie turned briefly and saw him close to me but she wasn’t jealous and stayed back to give Spike room.
Minnie was so good today, helping Spike feel brave and making sure he didn’t feel overwhelmed by her. Dogs really do understand how others are feeling.
We continued with our walk, even passing the tennis courts with no reacting to the ball flying around.
We approached the picnic area, where dogs have to be on leash, just like the rest of the park, but the dogs inside were off leash.
I was ready for a reaction from Minnie, but she was calm. That was until the off lead dog came flying at the fence, barking and going crazy at Minnie. So, she answered back like most dogs would.
We kept walking, best we could with a Greyhound flying like a kite at the end of a leash, and we were almost home safe until the dog did the same again!
I stayed calm, and quietly talked to Minnie to encourage her to settle. She did. It wasn’t her fault. It was the fault of the other dogs owners for not abiding by park rules.
We approached the bridge to go back to the car, then we turned to see Spike behind us. He and Minnie stood just feet apart, while we said our goodbyes, with no negative reactions whatsoever.
In fact Spike backed off from two small dogs but never flinched with Minnie.
Give it time and Minnie will be having walks round the park with a new friend.
Well done Minnie. And well done to Spike too.
