Angelina

Don’t be intimidated. People walking dogs in the heat are either ignorant or cruel. It’s worth thinking they are ignorant. My favoured tactic is asking if their dog wants water ( yes I carry water). I don’t care if people get offended. If they care about their dog, they’d understand. I’m also quite happy to ask the direct question, ie why are you walking you dog? Do you realise how hot the pavement is and how they will overheat? And so on

It’s far too hot. Dogs should not be out and you’re right to post this.

You are best going to Battersea and adopting a dog. You’ll be able to meet different dogs and work with the staff to understand the breeds, temperaments etc. Training is ongoing. If you get a very well trained puppy and don’t continue and maintain the training you will soon have an untrained puppy. You have to put the work in. Are you ready for this? It’s a lifetimes commitment and you don’t get to walk away or change your mind. Maybe register with Borrow My Doggy for six months and get to know local dogs. I’d happily meet you for a dog walk if it will help?

I don't think anyone wants people who need support not to have it.

My perspective is based on reason - my first comment was a question - what is driving the forecast increase in claimants. It suggests that - if so many new claims are expected, that either there is something seriously wrong or the tests are not sufficiently stringent. Happy for you to have a stab at that.

It isn't a blanket removal of support though is it. It's changing the criteria, so that those who need the support get it and those who need other support get that.

Perhaps it needs to be in conjunction with other measures - eg Pathway to Work - and perhaps the question of why there is such an increase in applicants forecast, needs to be addressed. There is also Govt funding for people to use (Access to Work)

Do you disagree that the projected increase in the cost of providing benefit's is unaffordable, and that change is not required?

You have told us you have reported a group of young people to the police for dangerous behaviour. It is sensible to provide a description. Why would you want to tell us if not so we can be observant and aware of potential danger?

be careful not to over-react. groups of people can generally be intimidating - doesn't mean they are up to anything illegal. The groups of kids on our nearby estate are very intimidating but are actually just really nice kids with nowhere to hang out. I used to be scared of walking past them until we actually spoke with them

not at all odd to ask for descriptions - why is everyone so sensitive about it? If you see a group of kids being obnoxious and intimidating, it would help to be able to decide if they like like the group who were previously reported to the police. It might make it easier for people to feel that doing so might be helpful.

Do not show fear - they will take full advantage of that Little sods.