Peter Stewart

But first, Phaedra co-runs a group for dogs and their owners that meets in Reigate each weekend. And they coordinate things on social media, so it's kind of understandable. The group is called Face Bark. Love it. And the idea of the group is so dogs, which of course usually spend more time with humans rather than other dogs, can socialise and make new friends and so become more rounded canines.

But first, Phaedra co-runs a group for dogs and their owners that meets in Reigate each weekend. And they coordinate things on social media, so it's kind of understandable. The group is called Face Bark. Love it. And the idea of the group is so dogs, which of course usually spend more time with humans rather than other dogs, can socialise and make new friends and so become more rounded canines.

Sounds good? As we hear, it's after one of Phaedra's own dogs left another group.

Sounds good? As we hear, it's after one of Phaedra's own dogs left another group.

I thought it looked like a bowling green. It's sunk down a couple of feet, isn't it? And it's rather unkempt, so it's been a while ago since people were bowling here.

I thought it looked like a bowling green. It's sunk down a couple of feet, isn't it? And it's rather unkempt, so it's been a while ago since people were bowling here.

And I'm looking around. The number of dogs here, you must have, I don't know, about 30, is that?

And I'm looking around. The number of dogs here, you must have, I don't know, about 30, is that?

And various breeds?

And various breeds?

Because I guess usually dogs don't see other dogs, apart from perhaps passing them in the street or in the park for two minutes, sniffing each other and that kind of thing. To actually get to know other dogs and other breeds and other temperaments as well is really useful for them, as it is for us.

Because I guess usually dogs don't see other dogs, apart from perhaps passing them in the street or in the park for two minutes, sniffing each other and that kind of thing. To actually get to know other dogs and other breeds and other temperaments as well is really useful for them, as it is for us.

So it's socialising rather than throwing balls for them or games or activities like that.

So it's socialising rather than throwing balls for them or games or activities like that.

So it's a really good kind of community for passing on those hints and tips as well.

So it's a really good kind of community for passing on those hints and tips as well.

OK, so whereabouts is it? When is it? How do people get in touch?

OK, so whereabouts is it? When is it? How do people get in touch?

And my visit to see Phaedra and the other members of the Face Bark group a few weekends ago gave me the inspiration to start a brand new feature on the Planet Rygate podcast that you're going to hear now and again starting next week in next week's show of the Planet Rygate podcast. So if you've got a dog or you're an animal lover, make sure you listen out for that.

And my visit to see Phaedra and the other members of the Face Bark group a few weekends ago gave me the inspiration to start a brand new feature on the Planet Rygate podcast that you're going to hear now and again starting next week in next week's show of the Planet Rygate podcast. So if you've got a dog or you're an animal lover, make sure you listen out for that.