How would you say having a dog has changed your life?
Basically in every way one really could change it… from logistics (keeping a more regular schedule since you want to keep feeding and walking times consistent for the little one) to just being a better human all around - and being accountable for being a better human.
What I mean by that is that it’s easy to say you’ll “live in the moment” or [insert mindfulness practice here], but when you have someone who depends on you for everything you’re kept in check when it comes to following through with things like being present, being attentive to them, and projecting the best of the energy you have to give. They really challenge you to learn to exercise compassion, and to learn to have a little fun even in the quieter moments. Especially puppies, who are seeing so many things for the first time. It’s fun to see things you take for granted with fresh eyes again, even if it’s just something as small as encountering a puddle on a rainy day.
When I walked Alfalfa on his first rainy day in his new home with me he sprinted full-speed to every single puddle so he could run through it and look back at me to see if I was right behind him. Even on my worst days, he makes me laugh until my stomach hurts. In those moments he helps me connect to myself and reminds me that I’m still in there, somewhere, no matter what’s going on externally, and that’s a powerful thing. The first time I ever gave him an icecube he barked at it. And then continued to play hockey with it on the kitchen floor for a good 10 minutes, leaving little trails of water on the floor that he’d slide through afterward. It’s an indescribable experience to watch him experience something for the first time, to see how he embraces life and all of the wonderful things in it. The other night we were walking after sunset, and he randomly just stopped, sat down and looked up at the moon for a few minutes. Just sat and stared without looking away, or moving onto the next thing like we all love to do. It was a special little moment that I felt lucky to be a part of.
A disclaimer that I’m an animal person, having always grown up with dogs, cats and horses. Studies speak volumes for the effect animals have on our health and well-being, but I can personally vouch for the fact that they deeply, and positively, impact our souls as well.
Anna
