I’ve started walking without Flossie.
Before I go any further, I should explain that Flossie is still getting her usual quota of outings, but I am doing two additional walks each week with a wonderful group called Walk Bath.
We walk every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening, exploring the magnificent countryside in and around Bath. The group is diverse, friendly, and welcoming. I’ve never met so many genuinely nice people in such a short space of time.
There are even dogs on these walks – well behaved ones. Not that Flossie isn’t well behaved, but I know she would find the group setting overwhelming and stressful. She is not comfortable around unfamiliar dogs so it seems wise to leave her at home.
At first I felt guilty. Walking is very much a joint activity for us.
Flossie looked at me expectantly as I pulled on my walking boots. I was clearly dressed for going out. But not with her.
She soon caught on to the new routine. I walk her before I go so I can enjoy my new hobby, knowing that she’s settled while I’m out.
And sometimes I’m out for quite a while.
This group has become part of my life. I look forward to each walk, knowing it will be different to the last. There will be some walkers I know and some who have just joined.
There will be new conversations and discoveries about my fellow walkers. Some who have had similar experiences to me, and some who have had different ones.
I’m interested in all of them.
Sometimes I’m feeling chatty, especially if I’ve only had Flossie for company that day. No offence, Flossie! Other times I’m more quiet.
It doesn’t matter.
Whatever mood you’re in, the thread of warmth generates from Walk Bath’s founder through the walk captains to everybody in this special walking community.
I come home feeling uplifted, full of fresh air, and physically tired.
And Flossie benefits too. She experiences a happier version of me because I’ve done something positive for myself.
It’s a winning formula for everyone.
You can find out more about Walk Bath at walkbath.co.uk
As published in the Bath Chronicle, 26 June 2025
Suzy Pope is a certified copywriter and newspaper columnist specialising in pets, business and lifestyle. If you would like help with a writing project, please get in touch.