When I was approached with the idea that I could "rent" a dog for an hour, it did seem like a weird concept. Then when I met the little terrier named Roxy, I realised how brilliant the idea was. I found a good "fetching" stick and became instant friends with the cute wee pooch.
We ran up and down the beach, wrestled with the stick a few times, rolled around in the sand and did all the romantic things you see a man doing with his dog in those cheesy Farmers catalogues. But the best part was that when my need for dog-bonding had been fulfilled, I was able to drop Roxy off to her real owner and drive home.
No having to lie a towel down on my back seat so my car didn't get wet and sandy. No wet dog smell, no having to go home and feed the damn thing with overpriced dog food, and the most satisfying part of it all, I didn't have to repeat the process tomorrow and every day for the future. So, will renting a dog catch on? Or will it be just another one of those things that "only happens on Waiheke". Judge for yourself.
• You can rent Roxy for $1 an hour and at the same time, pick up an electric bicycle for rent for $50 per day, on Waiheke Island. Phone 022 050 2233.
