Doggy Dynamos

On this day - 1 Dec 2005 - before the recession - a call came out on the radio from USPCA that they had been overwhelmed with dogs being left with them. (It seemed people were getting new sofas and floors in for Christmas so the dog had to go). I was not in a good place, having taken redundancy from my job as a newspaper editor. I drove over and saw this 1 year old English Springer spaniel called Bosco in a cage. He walked up to me at the cage door, looked at me with his big ...brown eyes and put out his paw. I took him home that day. Within a few months I had started my dog friendly Belfast Dynamos walking group and was back at work. Wee Bosco has been with me all the way. He has been my Godsend - a precious, life-changing gift - always looking to me, at my side or on my knee through some very tough times, but far more happy, wonderful journeys. We have walked almost every hill, valley and mountain in Northern Ireland together with the fabulous Belfast Dynamos. He is the inspiration for a future dog park IŌĆÖm delivering through Doggy Dynamos. HeŌĆÖs old now but still my gorgeous puppy and itŌĆÖs a privilege to look after him in his senior years. ThereŌĆÖs still a lot of life, play and of course love in this fabulous caring, handsome, placid and devoted canine. Happy rescue adoption day to Bosco! ŌØż’ĖÅŌØż’ĖÅ­¤ÖÅ­¤ÖÅ­¤ÉČ­¤ÉĢ­¤ÉČ­¤Æø­¤Äē­ ¤śŹ­¤ź░­¤æģ­¤æģ­¤Æŗ­¤Æŗ­¤Æŗ#dogsofinstag ram #dogsofbelfast #gosocial #newtownabbey #belfast
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It all started with Bosco!

At #gosocial workshop on measuring our social impact - dogs, owners, volunteers, kids in care, autism #dogsofbelfast #dogsofinstagram #depression - need we say more?

Honey ­¤Ź» curled up in bed. #dogsofinstagram #dogsofbelfast #irishdogs #dogs

Doggy DynamosŌĆÖ ŌĆśgranda PatŌĆÖ with Bonnie who has sat on top of his head on the sofa since puppyhood. She loves him! Wee Penny is on his knee. Babe magnet he is!

Honey and Bosco here. Waiting for a walk even though ooman was in hospital overnight and tired and says itŌĆÖs got horrible out there. So when we going out?

Take your dog on a walk at Minnowburn, Shaws Bridge on Saturday! All details on Eventbrite. #dogwalkingBelfast #dogfriendlyevents #dogsofBelfast #dogsoftwitter #doggydynamos

Somebody just said on #BBCradio2 on @JeremyVine that his dog was running crazy around Stonehenge. It posed the question: Was #Stonehenge an ancient dog park? Hee hee! Woof woof

Take your dog on a walk at Minnowburn, Shaws Bridge on Saturday! All details on Eventbrite.https://buff.ly/2PNDzRg #dogwalkingBelfast #dogfriendlyevents #dogsofBelfast #dogsofinstagram #doggydynamos

And another cozy doggy. We canŌĆÖt resist!

ItŌĆÖs got cold. DonŌĆÖt keep your doggy outside At night. In the house they sleep tonight!

I feel that pain!

ŌØżŌØżŌØż

What can we say oomans. We love and look after you... and your lil oomans

I have died and gone to heaven­¤śŹ­¤śŹ­¤śŹ

Heartbreaking!

Dogs are with us - no matter what era or what horror they must endure. They stay by our sides and endure with us - even to the hell of war. Bless all dogs today!

Isn't it just the night for it? Sleepy noses!

What a fantastic day out. So much to do and the dogs were beautiful so well behaved. Can't wait for the next one.

Two tired dogs who loved their time at doggy dynamo last night. Fantastic night and thank you the volunteers.



Hope to be back soon

Took my dog to doggy dynamos we loved it!! Keep up the good work, fantastic idea, aimee is a wonderful wee face to add to ur team she fits in perfect!

It's really great all around for dogs and people.. Well done to all involved

Had our dogs at S13 today and it was really really good. Dogs are now in dream land after their day out. Can't wait for the next event. ..

Had a great first night at Doggy Dynamos. My friend Julie suggested it and we went together with both of our dogs. Both our dogs loved it and had a ball. My dog seemed a little stressed after about 45mins but we went into the room with the sofas & picnic tables and he was absolutely fine then. He's back home exhausted now. Staff were great and everyone was very friendly I was pleasantly surprised at how well all of the dogs got on, especially with such a large mix of breeds. The 'worst' thing that happened was a few dogs taking a shine to other dogs - which was always quickly stopped! Will definitely be back!

Had a brilliant time tonight with our 2 hounds -a fantastic place to socialise the puppy. Fun, safe and a great set up. Will definitely be back!

Great place. Andrea was so thoughtful and considerate of my scaredy dog Ginger. Thank you! We will be back.

Great place for dogs to get introduced to other dogs. Plenty of space to run around and plenty of other dogs to play with!

Great day at Doggy Dynamos on Sunday. My huge Labrador completely tired out after. Was his first time in the company of other dogs for any length of time and discovered he seemed quite stressed at certain points but this would only encourage me to bring him back so he can socialise and get used to other pups as all in all he had a great time. Very friendly helpful staff also.



Update: the big man had his second visit today for Howlaween. Another great day out. He was far more relaxed this time and a completely different dog from his first visit. Zero stress for him and again completely exhausted after playing. Will definitely be a regular

Dexter had the best day ever at doggie dynamos pop up park at Boucher! Can't wait for next time! Thank to all involved ’┐Į’┐Į

Brilliant set up our dog loved it great for all the family loved watching an meeting all the other dogs too

Amazing place to safely let ur wee DOGGY freely play and socialize !! Oh and great for the hoomans too . Chats and hot drinks !!

Amazing place filled with lovely furry faces

Took my wee teddy son on Sunday

He really enjoyed himself & So did I.

Teddy was able to run around with other furbabies & no need to worry because it was very secure.

Staff where fantastic & welcoming



Stalls where fab I got most of Teddys Christmas presents ’┐Į Great selection @ them.



Definitely will be back ’┐Į

Absolute fantastic place for all breeds of dogs, big and small. Lots of play areas , toys to play with and lots of space to run wild and do whatever they want. Great for socialising them. Definitely be back , without a doubt. Couldn't recommend it enough!

We have visited a few times and always really enjoy it! Only issue I had this evening was that there were lots of small children using the agility course which I thought was for dogs only. My girl is not great with small children so we avoided using it as much as we would have liked.

Got down on Sunday afternoon. Great ideas. My dog won oldest dog.18.1/2 years young. Bit much for her with too many hooligan mutts running amok. Joke. But she likes quiet life. Next time Senior citizen dogs corner please. No vet around on Sunday.

But hey it was a great effort.

Thanks and now wow!

Went tonight for the first time and was disappointed...kids climbing over the DOG agility equipment, kids running around screaming running into the dogs in the process, also very young children toddling about, I have an 8 month old large breed dog who is still in the process of learning not to jump in excitement on people and still quite clutsy with trying not to bump into things, I was on edge in case she accidentally knocked the childen over onto the hard concrete floor or jump on the children that were rolling and crawling about the floor screaming (imaging if for example one of her nails had caught there face ). Also a couple of bully dogs who were left to continue being bullies. Also at one stage somebody opened the side doors and left them open, if me and my daughter hadn't off closed them the dogs would have been free to escape the unit !!

┬Ż3 per dog is totally acceptable as itŌĆÖs a play area for dogs ... but now suddenly charging ┬Ż2 in each per child is ridiculous reason being as parents arenŌĆÖt supervising them so weŌĆÖll charge them ┬Ż2 in what is that going to solve ? Nothing just making more money !! IŌĆÖm new owner of a 13 wk old puppy and thought there was perfect for her to (&me) to get used to bigger dogs! ┬Ż2 isnŌĆÖt much itŌĆÖs not the principle of it ! If you donŌĆÖt want kids there then just state ŌĆ£NO CHILDRENŌĆØ !

What a fantastic day out. So much to do and the dogs were beautiful so well behaved. Can't wait for the next one.

Two tired dogs who loved their time at doggy dynamo last night. Fantastic night and thank you the volunteers.



Hope to be back soon

Took my dog to doggy dynamos we loved it!! Keep up the good work, fantastic idea, aimee is a wonderful wee face to add to ur team she fits in perfect!

It's really great all around for dogs and people.. Well done to all involved

Had our dogs at S13 today and it was really really good. Dogs are now in dream land after their day out. Can't wait for the next event. ..

Had a great first night at Doggy Dynamos. My friend Julie suggested it and we went together with both of our dogs. Both our dogs loved it and had a ball. My dog seemed a little stressed after about 45mins but we went into the room with the sofas & picnic tables and he was absolutely fine then. He's back home exhausted now. Staff were great and everyone was very friendly I was pleasantly surprised at how well all of the dogs got on, especially with such a large mix of breeds. The 'worst' thing that happened was a few dogs taking a shine to other dogs - which was always quickly stopped! Will definitely be back!

Had a brilliant time tonight with our 2 hounds -a fantastic place to socialise the puppy. Fun, safe and a great set up. Will definitely be back!

Great place. Andrea was so thoughtful and considerate of my scaredy dog Ginger. Thank you! We will be back.

Great place for dogs to get introduced to other dogs. Plenty of space to run around and plenty of other dogs to play with!

Great day at Doggy Dynamos on Sunday. My huge Labrador completely tired out after. Was his first time in the company of other dogs for any length of time and discovered he seemed quite stressed at certain points but this would only encourage me to bring him back so he can socialise and get used to other pups as all in all he had a great time. Very friendly helpful staff also.



Update: the big man had his second visit today for Howlaween. Another great day out. He was far more relaxed this time and a completely different dog from his first visit. Zero stress for him and again completely exhausted after playing. Will definitely be a regular

Dexter had the best day ever at doggie dynamos pop up park at Boucher! Can't wait for next time! Thank to all involved ’┐Į’┐Į

Brilliant set up our dog loved it great for all the family loved watching an meeting all the other dogs too

Amazing place to safely let ur wee DOGGY freely play and socialize !! Oh and great for the hoomans too . Chats and hot drinks !!

Amazing place filled with lovely furry faces

Took my wee teddy son on Sunday

He really enjoyed himself & So did I.

Teddy was able to run around with other furbabies & no need to worry because it was very secure.

Staff where fantastic & welcoming



Stalls where fab I got most of Teddys Christmas presents ’┐Į Great selection @ them.



Definitely will be back ’┐Į

Absolute fantastic place for all breeds of dogs, big and small. Lots of play areas , toys to play with and lots of space to run wild and do whatever they want. Great for socialising them. Definitely be back , without a doubt. Couldn't recommend it enough!

We have visited a few times and always really enjoy it! Only issue I had this evening was that there were lots of small children using the agility course which I thought was for dogs only. My girl is not great with small children so we avoided using it as much as we would have liked.

Got down on Sunday afternoon. Great ideas. My dog won oldest dog.18.1/2 years young. Bit much for her with too many hooligan mutts running amok. Joke. But she likes quiet life. Next time Senior citizen dogs corner please. No vet around on Sunday.

But hey it was a great effort.

Thanks and now wow!

Went tonight for the first time and was disappointed...kids climbing over the DOG agility equipment, kids running around screaming running into the dogs in the process, also very young children toddling about, I have an 8 month old large breed dog who is still in the process of learning not to jump in excitement on people and still quite clutsy with trying not to bump into things, I was on edge in case she accidentally knocked the childen over onto the hard concrete floor or jump on the children that were rolling and crawling about the floor screaming (imaging if for example one of her nails had caught there face ). Also a couple of bully dogs who were left to continue being bullies. Also at one stage somebody opened the side doors and left them open, if me and my daughter hadn't off closed them the dogs would have been free to escape the unit !!

┬Ż3 per dog is totally acceptable as itŌĆÖs a play area for dogs ... but now suddenly charging ┬Ż2 in each per child is ridiculous reason being as parents arenŌĆÖt supervising them so weŌĆÖll charge them ┬Ż2 in what is that going to solve ? Nothing just making more money !! IŌĆÖm new owner of a 13 wk old puppy and thought there was perfect for her to (&me) to get used to bigger dogs! ┬Ż2 isnŌĆÖt much itŌĆÖs not the principle of it ! If you donŌĆÖt want kids there then just state ŌĆ£NO CHILDRENŌĆØ !

What a fantastic day out. So much to do and the dogs were beautiful so well behaved. Can't wait for the next one.

Two tired dogs who loved their time at doggy dynamo last night. Fantastic night and thank you the volunteers.



Hope to be back soon

Took my dog to doggy dynamos we loved it!! Keep up the good work, fantastic idea, aimee is a wonderful wee face to add to ur team she fits in perfect!

It's really great all around for dogs and people.. Well done to all involved

Had our dogs at S13 today and it was really really good. Dogs are now in dream land after their day out. Can't wait for the next event. ..

Had a great first night at Doggy Dynamos. My friend Julie suggested it and we went together with both of our dogs. Both our dogs loved it and had a ball. My dog seemed a little stressed after about 45mins but we went into the room with the sofas & picnic tables and he was absolutely fine then. He's back home exhausted now. Staff were great and everyone was very friendly I was pleasantly surprised at how well all of the dogs got on, especially with such a large mix of breeds. The 'worst' thing that happened was a few dogs taking a shine to other dogs - which was always quickly stopped! Will definitely be back!

Had a brilliant time tonight with our 2 hounds -a fantastic place to socialise the puppy. Fun, safe and a great set up. Will definitely be back!

Great place. Andrea was so thoughtful and considerate of my scaredy dog Ginger. Thank you! We will be back.

Great place for dogs to get introduced to other dogs. Plenty of space to run around and plenty of other dogs to play with!

Great day at Doggy Dynamos on Sunday. My huge Labrador completely tired out after. Was his first time in the company of other dogs for any length of time and discovered he seemed quite stressed at certain points but this would only encourage me to bring him back so he can socialise and get used to other pups as all in all he had a great time. Very friendly helpful staff also.



Update: the big man had his second visit today for Howlaween. Another great day out. He was far more relaxed this time and a completely different dog from his first visit. Zero stress for him and again completely exhausted after playing. Will definitely be a regular

Dexter had the best day ever at doggie dynamos pop up park at Boucher! Can't wait for next time! Thank to all involved ’┐Į’┐Į

Brilliant set up our dog loved it great for all the family loved watching an meeting all the other dogs too

Amazing place to safely let ur wee DOGGY freely play and socialize !! Oh and great for the hoomans too . Chats and hot drinks !!

Amazing place filled with lovely furry faces

Took my wee teddy son on Sunday

He really enjoyed himself & So did I.

Teddy was able to run around with other furbabies & no need to worry because it was very secure.

Staff where fantastic & welcoming



Stalls where fab I got most of Teddys Christmas presents ’┐Į Great selection @ them.



Definitely will be back ’┐Į

Absolute fantastic place for all breeds of dogs, big and small. Lots of play areas , toys to play with and lots of space to run wild and do whatever they want. Great for socialising them. Definitely be back , without a doubt. Couldn't recommend it enough!

We have visited a few times and always really enjoy it! Only issue I had this evening was that there were lots of small children using the agility course which I thought was for dogs only. My girl is not great with small children so we avoided using it as much as we would have liked.

Got down on Sunday afternoon. Great ideas. My dog won oldest dog.18.1/2 years young. Bit much for her with too many hooligan mutts running amok. Joke. But she likes quiet life. Next time Senior citizen dogs corner please. No vet around on Sunday.

But hey it was a great effort.

Thanks and now wow!

Went tonight for the first time and was disappointed...kids climbing over the DOG agility equipment, kids running around screaming running into the dogs in the process, also very young children toddling about, I have an 8 month old large breed dog who is still in the process of learning not to jump in excitement on people and still quite clutsy with trying not to bump into things, I was on edge in case she accidentally knocked the childen over onto the hard concrete floor or jump on the children that were rolling and crawling about the floor screaming (imaging if for example one of her nails had caught there face ). Also a couple of bully dogs who were left to continue being bullies. Also at one stage somebody opened the side doors and left them open, if me and my daughter hadn't off closed them the dogs would have been free to escape the unit !!

┬Ż3 per dog is totally acceptable as itŌĆÖs a play area for dogs ... but now suddenly charging ┬Ż2 in each per child is ridiculous reason being as parents arenŌĆÖt supervising them so weŌĆÖll charge them ┬Ż2 in what is that going to solve ? Nothing just making more money !! IŌĆÖm new owner of a 13 wk old puppy and thought there was perfect for her to (&me) to get used to bigger dogs! ┬Ż2 isnŌĆÖt much itŌĆÖs not the principle of it ! If you donŌĆÖt want kids there then just state ŌĆ£NO CHILDRENŌĆØ !

What a fantastic day out. So much to do and the dogs were beautiful so well behaved. Can't wait for the next one.

Two tired dogs who loved their time at doggy dynamo last night. Fantastic night and thank you the volunteers.



Hope to be back soon

Took my dog to doggy dynamos we loved it!! Keep up the good work, fantastic idea, aimee is a wonderful wee face to add to ur team she fits in perfect!

It's really great all around for dogs and people.. Well done to all involved

Had our dogs at S13 today and it was really really good. Dogs are now in dream land after their day out. Can't wait for the next event. ..

Had a great first night at Doggy Dynamos. My friend Julie suggested it and we went together with both of our dogs. Both our dogs loved it and had a ball. My dog seemed a little stressed after about 45mins but we went into the room with the sofas & picnic tables and he was absolutely fine then. He's back home exhausted now. Staff were great and everyone was very friendly I was pleasantly surprised at how well all of the dogs got on, especially with such a large mix of breeds. The 'worst' thing that happened was a few dogs taking a shine to other dogs - which was always quickly stopped! Will definitely be back!

Had a brilliant time tonight with our 2 hounds -a fantastic place to socialise the puppy. Fun, safe and a great set up. Will definitely be back!

Great place. Andrea was so thoughtful and considerate of my scaredy dog Ginger. Thank you! We will be back.

Great place for dogs to get introduced to other dogs. Plenty of space to run around and plenty of other dogs to play with!

Great day at Doggy Dynamos on Sunday. My huge Labrador completely tired out after. Was his first time in the company of other dogs for any length of time and discovered he seemed quite stressed at certain points but this would only encourage me to bring him back so he can socialise and get used to other pups as all in all he had a great time. Very friendly helpful staff also.



Update: the big man had his second visit today for Howlaween. Another great day out. He was far more relaxed this time and a completely different dog from his first visit. Zero stress for him and again completely exhausted after playing. Will definitely be a regular

Dexter had the best day ever at doggie dynamos pop up park at Boucher! Can't wait for next time! Thank to all involved ’┐Į’┐Į

Brilliant set up our dog loved it great for all the family loved watching an meeting all the other dogs too

Amazing place to safely let ur wee DOGGY freely play and socialize !! Oh and great for the hoomans too . Chats and hot drinks !!

Amazing place filled with lovely furry faces

Took my wee teddy son on Sunday

He really enjoyed himself & So did I.

Teddy was able to run around with other furbabies & no need to worry because it was very secure.

Staff where fantastic & welcoming



Stalls where fab I got most of Teddys Christmas presents ’┐Į Great selection @ them.



Definitely will be back ’┐Į

Absolute fantastic place for all breeds of dogs, big and small. Lots of play areas , toys to play with and lots of space to run wild and do whatever they want. Great for socialising them. Definitely be back , without a doubt. Couldn't recommend it enough!

We have visited a few times and always really enjoy it! Only issue I had this evening was that there were lots of small children using the agility course which I thought was for dogs only. My girl is not great with small children so we avoided using it as much as we would have liked.

Got down on Sunday afternoon. Great ideas. My dog won oldest dog.18.1/2 years young. Bit much for her with too many hooligan mutts running amok. Joke. But she likes quiet life. Next time Senior citizen dogs corner please. No vet around on Sunday.

But hey it was a great effort.

Thanks and now wow!

Went tonight for the first time and was disappointed...kids climbing over the DOG agility equipment, kids running around screaming running into the dogs in the process, also very young children toddling about, I have an 8 month old large breed dog who is still in the process of learning not to jump in excitement on people and still quite clutsy with trying not to bump into things, I was on edge in case she accidentally knocked the childen over onto the hard concrete floor or jump on the children that were rolling and crawling about the floor screaming (imaging if for example one of her nails had caught there face ). Also a couple of bully dogs who were left to continue being bullies. Also at one stage somebody opened the side doors and left them open, if me and my daughter hadn't off closed them the dogs would have been free to escape the unit !!

┬Ż3 per dog is totally acceptable as itŌĆÖs a play area for dogs ... but now suddenly charging ┬Ż2 in each per child is ridiculous reason being as parents arenŌĆÖt supervising them so weŌĆÖll charge them ┬Ż2 in what is that going to solve ? Nothing just making more money !! IŌĆÖm new owner of a 13 wk old puppy and thought there was perfect for her to (&me) to get used to bigger dogs! ┬Ż2 isnŌĆÖt much itŌĆÖs not the principle of it ! If you donŌĆÖt want kids there then just state ŌĆ£NO CHILDRENŌĆØ !