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Every Saturday morning for the last few years, there are 4 of us who take our 2 dogs for a brisk walk around the bay. It takes about an hour and everyone enjoys it.



I'm not one to bitch or complain. But. A few weeks ago, it was suggested that we mess with the formula, and change the route, to go past the Dog Cafe.

Now, the dog cafe is a nice idea until you think it through. Sure, you sip Cappuccino in the sun, and you can buy your dogs a Pupaccino, a drink made with liquified liver or something. But some days there are about 50 dogs at the cafe, and the only way the humans can relax and chat, is by trying to ignore the yelps, growls and dogfights around their ankles.

I don't enjoy drinking my coffee in the middle of a dog circus. In fact I'd rather drink green tea somewhere sane. But I'm always flexible and accommodating, so I go along with the majority, and we start this new Saturday routine, ending with a coffee at the dog cafe.

Well I should have remembered - every time I ignore my gut instinct and go along with others, it all goes wrong.

My dog is now infected with canine scabies, a.k.a. mange, from one of the other dogs there. She used to be the most beautiful dog, now suddenly she's a threadbare fleabag. The treatment takes ages and costs hundreds.

Let that be a lesson to me - I should stop being so accommodating; I need to remember that what's best for me is also best for my dog. What do you think?