A sigh of relief, three or four times daily, when Max and I are safely back in the flat (or have arrived at a dog park) and starting to dread the next time we have to go out or the walk home.
Walking in Berlin, especially with a dog and/or child/-dren, is a nightmare, especially this time of year. We constantly have to dodge e-rollers and get out of the way of cyclists who all whizz past in both directions, way too close and way too fast. It does not help that Max is reactive to bikes and e-rollers that come too close, but that is not really my point here – because they do – all the time, although they should not.
The problem is that cyclists and e-rollers are allowed everywhere, not just on pavements and in pedestrian crossings, but also – which is utterly absurd – in all parks and along all canals, in short, everywhere where it ought to be a pleasure to walk but is now almost impossible.
There is even talk of allowing cyclists to cycle in cemeteries – the only places left where pedestrians can get some peace and quiet, which confirms the attitude that pedestrians are considered the lowest class of citizens, and actually not wanted in Berlin.
If Berlin were to make up for that, a lot more dog parks would be needed. They do not have to be big, just some more fenced-in places where dogs and owners can focus on chilling outdoors without inconveniencing cyclistst and e-rollers with our annoying presence on pavements and in parks. Instead, this being Berlin, they will probably allow bikes and e-rollers in the existing dog parks.
My biggest wish, in my head day and night now, is that someone living in the countryside will come forward and take Max away from this hell-hole. Somewhere where I know he will be in good hands and have a good rest of his life, instead of the rotten existence I am able to offer him.
Much as that thought also breaks my heart.