Why I Love . . . walks with my pup

My standard gym regime is something I do every day, but I don’t really do that for fun – it’s just part and parcel of my job because, as a model, I need to keep my body in good shape. The activity I really love is walking my dog, Pippa, because it not only helps with the physical side of my fitness, it also helps to keep my mind healthy.

It’s amazing how easily you can clear your head simply by walking along and talking to your dog. With lovely peaceful places close to my home, like the Curragh, I can easily spend an hour or two walking and not notice the time go by. I find it to be a great way to wind down and to recharge my batteries, especially when my schedule is so unpredictable and hectic.

Walking around the Curragh or in the park means I get to meet and interact with other owners and, of course, their dogs. As a dog lover, chatting to people about different breeds and about their dogs’ personalities allows me to indulge in my passion for animals, and if get a snuggle or two along the way it’s an added bonus.

Pippa is just a pup so walking her gives us the chance to spend time together every day and has been such a lovely way for us to bond over the past few months. Even though she’s a still a baby, she needs a lot of exercise and that’s a great motivation for me to get my steps up on some of my lazier days.

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Unfortunately, Pippa and I both hate getting our hair wet so rainy days are off the cards for walkies. I’m on the hunt to find a pet-friendly gym for the winter!

In conversation with Jo Linehan