Like many other aspects of life we used to take for granted, my dog walking routine has been upended by the COVID-19 pandemic in the name of safe distancing.
We no longer linger out in the open pre-circuit breaker style, and I definitely keep a wide berth should we pass by another person.
From what I can tell, other owners in my neighbourhood are likewise following the guidelines for physical distancing as they too are careful not to let their pets get too close.
I suspect all these poor animals are feeling confused at being trotted quickly away without being allowed to stop and sniff their friends, but there is little any of us can do about this for now.
At least most of us are cooperating by maintaining a safe distance while still going about the daily business of ensuring our pets get to stretch their legs after being cooped up in small apartments for the whole day.
THAT RULE ABOUT NO PET-WALKING IN PRIVATE AREAS
Still, I can empathise with owners living in condominiums who felt blindsided by the by the regulation that pet walking will no longer be permitted within the property’s common areas. Instead, residents are now only permitted to walk their dogs on public paths and areas outside the condominium’s premises.
Just like closing all sports and recreational facilities and not permitting residents to exercise in common areas, the aim of this no-pet rule is to reduce crowding within the gated compounds by spreading out dog walkers in a public space.
The other challenge actually is ensuring people do spread out when they walk their dogs outside the premises of their condominiums – and keep to the spirit of the law.
Nor should those walking dogs use this as a way to congregate or chat with other people they may encounter while out and about. Such egregious violations should be called out, with enforcement action taken.
Ultimately, the implementation of rule upon rule, some of which can be confusing to uphold, will still come second to the public’s exercising of good sense, in helping to stop the transmission of this virus.
And the sooner everybody contributes to doing so, the sooner we might be able to return to a semblance of normalcy.
