Sonja and Vanessa share Jumper

Sonja is a dog owner and tells us about her dog, Jumper, who hasn’t had an easy life. She found a caring dog borrowing friend in Vanessa via Hondenlief. Vanessa doesn’t have any problems with Jumper.

What’s your life like and why were you attracted to dog-sharing?
Vanessa (dog borrower): I had my own dog for over 10 years until it died, sadly, 2 years ago. I’m now at work the whole day and don’t know anyone who could look after a dog, so I didn’t want to have a new dog. I still love spending time with dogs, so I began to look for a website like this one.

How does spending time with a dog enrich your life?
Vanessa (dog borrower): I guess anyone who has, or has had, a dog will find 1000 reasons why life is better with one. Probably the most obvious reason is the incredible joy a dog can bring you. You come home and the dog jumps up to welcome you; even if you only went out for 5 minutes. Dogs are simply happy when they can be with you, they react to your moods, comfort you, listen, entertain and so much more. And, whatever the weather, a dog ‘forces’ you to overcome your laziness and get out for some exercise.

Are there differences between a borrowed dog and your own dog?
Vanessa (dog borrower): Borrowed dogs are a bit like nephews, nieces and grandchildren. Because their presence can’t be taken for granted – you make an effort to make the most of the time spent with them when they’re there. That means lots of activities, fun, cuddles and a couple of extra snacks.

Sonja; could you tell us something about Jumper’s past?
Sonja (dog owner): We found Jumper in an animal shelter around 3 years ago. He had already been given away by two homes, and needed someone who had the abundance of time and space he required. Over the first two years he developed into a friendly and happy dog who was part of every occasion and came on every trip. However, other dogs and motorbikes still scare him. His fear goes back to being bitten by another dog, and the many operations it required. Back then he bit several people, but we stuck with him and he slowly began to improve. We used to be able to walk him without a lead as he was so obedient and attentive whenever we called. Now he’s always on the lead to avoid hazardous situations. Due to the operations, he’s scared someone could hurt him again.

Why did you look for a dog borrower?
Sonja (dog owner): We also like to go out now and again, preferably without worrying about Jumper. All he needs is a likeable dog borrower to stay home with him in his familiar domestic environment. Otherwise, if he feels scared, he’ll begin to bark.

How does he get on with Vanessa considering his past?
Sonja (dog owner): Nothing happens to people who know how to treat him correctly. Fortunately, Vanessa has no problems with him whatsoever, since she never shows uncertainty and is completely at home with him.

Vanessa, is he able to leave his familiar surroundings with you without getting scared?
Vanessa (dog borrower): I was told about what happened to him, so I was prepared. The operations and behavioral changes were more recent, but because we already knew and trusted each other, I knew we were good. He’s familiar with the smells around my apartment and has a favorite spot, so I guess that makes him feel safer. He’s skeptical about new situations and environments if he's not accompanied by his owners, so even people with a lot of experience dogs should be advised to give him time to get used to things. He probably needs a bit longer to get to know people.

How was the first meeting with Jumper and Sonja, his owner?
Vanessa (dog borrower): We first met up at Sonja’s home, so Jumper was in familiar surroundings. After that we all went out to play with him. Subsequently, Sonja often brought him to my home or I took him for walks near his own home.

Did Sonja often need to be present in the beginning or did she trust you to look after him alone very quickly?
Vanessa (dog borrower): I went to Sonja’s place several times and we went on walks together a lot. We discussed how to behave correctly in specific situations. I only went on walks with Jumper on my own once Sonja and I were both sure Jumper was at ease. The first time Jumper came to my apartment was to make sure he was OK with it. He was only allowed to stay over once we were sure it would work out.

Do you pick up Jumper on specific weekdays at specific times, or how do you arrange things?
Vanessa (dog borrower): No, there are no regular weekdays. As a rule, we call each other up when we have time or need help to see if a time works for both.

How has Jumper changed in the time you’ve known him?
Vanessa (dog borrower): He’s definitely more at ease when we’re at home. He’s always been fine going out to play and for walks. The first few times he came to my apartment he hung around the window all downcast, looking out for Sonja. It’s better now he knows Sonja always comes to pick him up again.