Dad Ryan Williamson out with his five girls, from left: Aria 7, Maple 1 (the pup), Indie 3, Miley 8, Tillie 5, while their essential worker mum Melissa is at her pharmacy job. Photo / Dean Taylor
Dad Ryan Williamson out with his five girls, from left: Aria 7, Maple 1 (the pup), Indie 3, Miley 8, Tillie 5, while their essential worker mum Melissa is at her pharmacy job. Photo / Dean Taylor
Dog ownership in Waipā has risen by 12.3 per cent over the past five years, compared to a population increase of about 9.1 per cent (Waipā District Council statistics and Infometrics).
The trend parallels the rest of New Zealand and means about one-third of Kiwi households have a dog asa pet, companion or for work.
Crystal Young and her daughter Chelsea walking 2-year-old Ziggy, who belongs to Crystal's sister Jo. Ziggy gets a walk most days - and every day during lockdown. Photo / Dean Taylor
There are currently 9024 dogs registered in the district, nearly 1000 more than five years ago.
In urban Te Awamutu there are currently around 1550.
Waipā ownership is one dog for about every six people - and level 4 lockdown is the time to see those numbers at work as dog owners take to the streets for daily exercise.
Seven-year-old Riku is getting more exercise during lockdown, although owner Sharnae Rowlend usually takes him either walking or running every day. Photo / Dean Taylor
Robyn and I are dog owners - we have two collie cross-breeds: 14-year-old Tammy and 9-year-old Gully.
We are also naughty dog owners, despite the best intentions of regular exercise for ourselves and our dogs, it is pretty much restricted to the odd walk in Te Awamutu and more regular walks and runs at the beach.
We see some dogs getting regular walks, others out and about during level 4 we haven't seen before.
The Vlasic family, from right Simon, Tatiana and Louis, out with 12-year-old Cocoa. Her daily walk is a lockdown treat. Photo / Dean Taylor
Over the past couple of days I have asked owners about their habits and it seems walkies are up during lockdown, although many claimed they did get out most days.
Martine Underhill and her daughter Riaan out with pups Eric (left) and Riley. Daily walks during lockdown is a treat - Martine's busy job normally means weekend walks only. Photo / Dean Taylor
Level 4 did mean extra long walks or walks with more of family members tagging along - so for a dog, this is heaven.
Cam Uden taking a turn at walking family dog, 2-year old Lucy. She enjoys a walk every day. Photo / Dean Taylor
