Community Matters: Furry friend a force for change

I met Flag as a puppy, a few years ago — often described as “a bundle of cheek”.

And there we started our lives together.

Unfortunately, not long after, I was diagnosed with cancer. Flag was amazing throughout all of my treatment and also after, where we adjusted to a new normal.

And then straight into lockdown with Covid.

After the lockdowns, Flag had missed out on crucial socialisation due to avoiding groups and people because of my ongoing chemotherapy and shielding.

Flag was overwhelmed with new people, places, dogs and sounds. The poor little chap couldn't cope!

It was also all a massive change in life for me. And during the whole cancer experience, he reminded me that sometimes human friends aren't ne cessarily who you thought they were, sadly.

I joined the Wellswood Community Builders group, where Marianne asked us if we had ideas for new social groups.

Half joking, I said: “I'd like a dog owners’ group,” and with the help also from Jennie, St Marychurch community builder, our amazing social group was born, The Small Dog Lovers' coffee morning.

Our group has now been running for two years and has some outstanding group members whom Flag and I are privileged to meet.  Some have dogs now, some don't, but have in the past, and they love them.

Word grew and it became more popular. Our vision for this group is a friendly, inclusive and supportive group for people who have one thing in common... the love of our canine friends. We consulted a local dog behaviourist, Andy Hale, who pointed me in the right direction to support Flag the right way through his many apprehensions, which had almost magical results.

Rarely a day goes by without someone stopping us in the street and poiting out the difference between Flag when they first met him and how relaxed he is now.

Since then, Flag has gone from strength to strength and is currently running a campaign to become the mayor of St Marychurch!  We are often out and about collecting names for our petition.  

Flag has a very simple manifesto – inclusivity, diversity, the importance of community, equality, kindness and most importantly, biscuits for all!

Flag is very popular locally and well-loved.

Living locally means he is immensely community-focused and brings a smile to almost all. It is his opinion that if someone scowls at him, it must be wind!

We often have chats about local issues and yes, he does talk; you only have to listen.

We also formed the “Flag rapid response team”.

This is a group of incredible people who, like me, have no surviving family to assist if I have medical appointments or unexpected illness. They look after Flag, safely reuniting us afterwards.

This team didn't happen easily, or overnight.  But we made it our mission! And we are so appreciative of all of them!  And best of all, they get to spend time with the amazing Flag the dog, without which, I would undoubtedly not be here!

Keep the Flaggy faith.