"I can’t believe I’m saying this, but after almost 3 years, I’m moving out of the family’s house… and it all started with a dog walk.
I signed up on BorrowMyDoggy just to walk a dog every now and then and that’s how I met Astra. One walk turned into many… and somehow I ended up moving in with her family (still makes me smile, imagine living with a family in your 30s!). But honestly, life has a funny way of giving you exactly what you need, even if it looks nothing like you thought it would.
What started with Astra turned into something so much more. Not only did she become my furry best friend, but I also found the feeling of family I’d always wanted. A sense of belonging, warmth, and just feeling held in a way I didn’t even know I needed. Elsie became like a little sister, and I somehow became part of this beautiful, loving family visiting their place in Spain, getting close to Grandma, and just being part of their everyday life. These lovely people, strangers at first, opened their home to me, and ended up giving me a space to breathe, grow, and heal parts of myself.
Through it all, Astra was by my side. For the ups and downs, the quiet nights, the long walks, and all those cuddles. She’s been my little anchor and my biggest source of love in this chapter. Now it’s time to move into something new here in London, and I’m leaving with such a full heart. Grateful for all of it, the people, the dog, the unexpected path, and the love I didn’t even know I needed.
BorrowMyDoggy has genuinely added so much joy and connection to my life. Spending time with Astra has given me a sense of purpose, routine, and pure happiness - whether it’s our daily walks, cuddles, or her little quirks that always make me smile. It’s been such a lovely way to connect with both dogs and people in my community. I truly feel the positive impact it’s had on my wellbeing.
The biggest surprise has been how much deeper the connection became - I didn’t just meet a dog, I found a true companion and became part of a beautiful family. What started with a simple dog walk turned into a life-changing experience full of love, support, and unexpected joy. I never imagined that BorrowMyDoggy would give me such a strong sense of belonging." - Astra's borrower, Lisa.
