Feed a dog for free: a dissertation by Alan Murray

Alan Murray is a Rosedale area dog walker and friend of animals: I am one of those who feel that dogs should eat whatever they like. That’s what I do. So dog biscuits feed my dog.  Here’s how: Shops and stores around Yonge and Roxborough have dog treats in the store, as a friendly, neighbourly, kindness. Exploiting this, here’s how I feed Charlie for free. The first stop is the New Way Cleaners, where Nicole, the new owner, has soft, moist biscuits. She has dogs and knows her cookies. Much tail wagging at this stop, as Charlie gobbles down one and I slip a second into my pocket. Then up to the TD bank, the friendliest, happiest bank in the city. Aireen sits and smiles at reception, and she’s ready with a dog biscuit for Charlie. They’re hard biscuits, and Charlie sniffs it away. I, however, grab two biscuits “for later”. Then it’s into Rosedale’s General Store. Health Foods. It’s Rosedale’s best kept secret. Hidden in plain view. I stick a head in the door, and Jae goes to the back and hands me a beautiful looking cookie. Charlie is drooling. Now it’s time to head over to Avenue Road. Padding across to Sarah Band’s store, Bianco Plus. Right at the doorway Sarah has two beautiful bowls, one with water, and the other with the best looking dog biscuits in Toronto. Red. Yellow. Green. Charlie only eats one. I pocket three colours. Later in the day, I crumble all my dog biscuits, add a little water and make a slurry for Charlie’s dinner. So, that’s how you feed your dog for free. But, perhaps the nicest part, is: everyone is so delighted to provide the goodies. It makes them feel good just to be doing it.There may be a political philosophy here. Those who like to give, give. Those who like to receive, receive. Gracefully. Courtesy Yonge and Roxborough News