Wellies, Paws and a Dash of Wilderness

Before I moved to Namibia, I lived near Stuttgart with my three faithful companions: Malou, my Golden Retriever; Luna, my Labrador; and Pepper, my Little Dachshund. The “three musketeers.”

Taking them for a walk was a daily ritual, one that required more preparation than a trip to the supermarket. Raincoat? Check. Wellies? Check. Three leashes and, of course, the ever-important poo bags. Off we went across the fi elds, where Malou would jump into the stream — without hesitation, whether it was spring sunshine or freezing winter frost. On these walks, we met joggers,

cyclists, other dog owners — and occasionally came home straight to the shower when the fi elds had been freshly treated with slurry. Trust me, three muddy, smelly dogs in a German house are not the defi nition of “gemütlich” - that special German kind of cozy comfort.

Fast forward to Namibia. Malou and Luna moved with me, and the family grew (as families tend to do here): Simba, Mila, Brandy, Henry, Nala, and Emma joined the

pack. My furry family brings me endless joy. And yes, I still love our walks. But let me tell you — it’s a different kind of adventure here.

Wellies are still part of the dress code, but less for rain and more for dust, thorns, and tall grass. Morning walks are best — before the sun heats up the sand to paw-burning temperatures. Thorns, though, are the real challenge. Mila will simply stop and stare at me with accusing eyes until I rescue her. Simba, on the other hand, manages like a pro, removing them himself. Luna and Emma sometimes perform the funniest three-legged dance until I come to the rescue.

Our routes are no longer just about streams and cyclists. Now, I scan the area carefully: a herd of blue wildebeest grazing; an elegant eland, springbok, or impala Crossing the path. Beautiful, yes — but not exactly suitable Playmates for my dogs. And unlike in Germany, I sometimes Forget the leashes — though here, they almost feel optional. And poo bags? Let’s just say that in a place where wildlife has left behind enough “souvenirs” to fi ll an encyclopedia, my dogs’ contributions hardly make a dent.othe the nervous system, ease tension, and even help with ailments like rheumatism.

Walking dogs on both sides of the equator is Always an adventure — the same, yet so very different. One Thing remains constant: the joy of being out in nature with my loyal companions.

Do you have a story to share about walking your dog — whether in the city, countryside, or the wild corners of the world? I’d love to hear it.

Do you already have a Namibian gemstone with a Story to tell?

deardiary@myeishanamibia.com

Until next time,

From Sandra’s pen, Namibia