Canine classroom

Every day, dog owners are unknowing participants in a canine classroom. Dogs are teaching us how to be better creatures. Showing us how to be good humans. How to treat ourselves and others with respect and loyalty. And how to make the most of life. The importance of prioritising resting in the sunshine, a walk in nature, sharing affection and having some fun.

Perhaps it is the extensive time I have spent with my own beautiful canine companion recently, which brought this realisation to the surface. She has sat by my side all day long as I worked from home. This year, I have had a lot of time to observe her more closely, than normal. We have spent more time together than ever before. And she has taught me a thing or two about life and living.

This gorgeous little furry friend of mine, has reminded me of the joy of quiet company. Of the preciousness of just being together. Side by side. Doing our own thing, me on my computer, her on her mat or on the couch. No expectation from each other, just hanging out together. Just being in each other’s presence. Sometimes breathing in time together. And just acknowledging our care for each other, in an occasional fleeting glance. There is no need to chat. No need to do something together. It is enough just to share space with each other.

And although there is a lot of sleeping during the day (her, not me) she is quite busy. Keeping an eye on what is going on inside and outside, and attending to her personal grooming. Her standards never waver. She keeps herself clean, using her paws to remove any sleep in her eyes. Licking her fur all over her body, to keep herself fresh and spending a considerable amount of time on her nails. The joke around the house when you hear her snipping away at her nails with her teeth, is that it is ‘salon day’. And she was an inspiration when I was working at home. A reminder to shower each day, trim my own nails and brush my hair. To show up each day, at my home desk, groomed. To her standards.

She knows her job is to protect her clan. And she takes this job very seriously as many a food delivery person has discovered. Her fierce barks warn them that she means business, the entire time they unload our groceries onto our porch. When outside she will check the perimeter of our property and snap at any unwanted birds which come near our fruit trees. She has a clear focus when working and tending to her tasks. But understands the importance of balance. Of taking breaks and resting in the sun. The value of a siesta in the middle of the day. And although I did not adopt her practice of a siesta, I did make sure I gave my work full focus, but had regular breaks in the sun.

My routine every morning is to write, stretch, do at least ten sun salutations and then meditate. I write a reflection about my meditation and if I can squeeze it in I’ll go for a walk and listen to a podcast. Most mornings, I will have a loyal furry friend joining me in my stretches, and sitting as close as possible while I meditate, often resting her little head in my lap. She is a joy to have around. Encouraging me in her own special way. Watching over me. Sharing life with me.

We also both share a love of being out in nature. Her joy and delight is infectious when we go for walks together. I am full of admiration at her willingness and freedom to jump into the creek without a second thought, regardless of its temperature. And when, afterwards, she rolls around in the dirt and grass, a giant smile on her face, I watch and share the bliss of the moment through her. There is an equally broad smile on my face as she bounces off into the distance, to greet new found friends.

When running around the parklands with other dogs, she is careful to return to me at regular intervals, to kiss my hand, before spinning on her back legs, racing back off to play again. She is checking in on me. Making sure I am still there. Reassuring me, that she hasn’t forgotten me. Showing me she loves me and is loyal to me. Because we belong together. This deep respect. This consideration. I have taken on board. Checking up on loved ones. Making sure they are still there. That they are OK. Reassuring them, that I haven’t forgotten them. Showing my love for and loyalty to them. Deep respect. Consideration. Acknowledging our belonging. Even when, at the moment, we are at a great distance.

This weekend, we looked after a friend’s long-legged fur baby. An adopted staghound who has had a traumatic past. She was so full of fear the first time we met her a couple of years back. An anxious, highly strung and nervous creature. She would jump and run at the slightest noise. And you could never touch her without her seeing you were about to do so. Or she would react with such extreme fright. Spending time with her this weekend, she reminded me how much our body remembers. That our body remembers pain, mistreatment and trauma. Seeing her flinch, when a pat on her back is unexpected. Seeing her cower, crouching down with fear, when out walking and strangers approach in pairs, wearing hats. Or another dog she does not know is nearby. But she also reminded me of the power of love and kindness. Although she occasionally will react to sudden touch or movement, she is such a different creature to the one we first met. A gentle and loving companion. Who, through the love and patience of her owner, has learnt once again the joy of belonging, touch and play. She has learnt to trust again in life and those around her. Bouncing around in our back yard, playing with anyone who will join her game.

We have always taken on rescue dogs. And those who have blessed our family, have come into our homes with open hearts, regardless of their past story. Ready to be loved and a willingness to love us unconditionally, forever. I am grateful for their cuddles, and to have them sit by my side. Grateful for their precious little souls.