[imagesource: Deposit Photos]

Every time one of our politicians appears at a press briefing, South Africa waits with bated breath.

For some, the worry is when they will be allowed to open their businesses, whilst others are itching for a cigarette and a cold beer.

The subject of walking dogs during our national lockdown has also proven pretty divisive, but common sense would suggest that we are nearing a time when South Africans will once again be able to go for a walk with their beloved pooches.

I’m not sure who will have more pent-up energy, the dogs or the dog owners, but the basics of safe physical distancing will still need to be adhered to.

A good place to start is to make sure you have a proper leash, and the GoShine Leash by Petkit is designed specifically with control and comfort in mind.

The GoShine comes kitted out with a spotlight for night walks, a telescopic structure that allows you to easily control how far you want your dog to go, and most importantly, it has a one-press locking system that will help you to pull your pup back in critical situations.

No need to get too close to anybody else walking their dog, then. If you like videos that resemble the movie Tron, you’re in luck:

Other than that video above, here’s what else sets the GoShine Leash apart:

• Double Streamer Rings: The special dancer on your hand, become the focus in the night.
• Headlamp Spotlight: More focus and farther illumination give you convenience to take care of your pet’s health.
• Smooth And Flexible Experience: The telescopic structure is hard but smooth, so one-key reset can be easily controlled.

• Patent Semi-automatic Lock: One-press locking combines with pushback fixed gives you calmness in critical situations
• Inductive Touch: Touch to turn on the lighting. Just one touch, and you can choose which colour you like.
• Magnetic Contact Charging: Separate magnetic charging base, easy to charge and store.

A good leash is always advisable, post-lockdown or not, and you’ll look pretty hardcore wielding one of these. I reckon it buys you some space on the Sea Point promenade, or along your favourite walking track.

The second thing you may want to look into is also functional and aesthetic. Those who have been denied their usual dose of retail therapy over the past month are probably itching for a release, so why not treat your dog at the same time?

Wearing your nice, new raincoat as we get ready for winter? Cool, hook your pooch up with the same:

I speak for us all when I say that right there is a good dog.

For those who prefer that fleece life, these warm winter jackets, aimed at smaller breeds, come in three different sizes and colours, with a fleece lining inside:

Look at that – everyone’s cosy.

Those products above are all available from Pet Culture, an online retailer based in Cape Town. They offer caring pet owners a range of quality, sophisticated apparel, beds, bowls and toys, guaranteed to keep cats and dogs happy.

You’re well covered, too, cat owners.

When the time comes, enjoy those walks outside, and make sure you’re following all of the advisable safety precautions.