For the Love of a Dog

Some people may accuse me of being anti-social and they’re probably right. I tend to enjoy my own company sometimes…

If my numbers ever came up on the lottery, you’d know because I would have rescued an army of dogs and booked flights on Bark Air. Destination: remote, exotic island.

The thing is that most dogs are pure of heart; there’s no agenda. They’re incapable of criticism or cynicism. They never judge your choice of clothing, question your taste in music or judge your actions. They possess innate goodness.

But for me, the most inspiring aspects of a dog’s persona is that they live in the moment. They don’t dwell on what has passed or overthink what could happen tomorrow. They understand the power of now. Probably – the healthiest approach to life.

All too often, as human beings, we live in our heads scrutinising events of the day or micromanaging the events of tomorrow and trying to control the uncontrollable.

So recent news of Bella’s passing (a beautiful Golden Retriever that I used to look after) devastated me. Bella inspired me. She lived for each moment. A muddy puddle was an opportunity to take a bath! A dropped biscuit was an opportunity to replenish calories. Even a Sunday League football match failed to get between her and a river. That day she rivalled Usain Bolt as she dodged the footballers. Every opportunity was seized with great zeal.

Sitting on train at Leeds, feeling frustrated that there was signal failure at Shipley, I realised I need to be a little more Bella. Taking her joyous spirit of adventure to heart, I know I need to stop procrastinating and overthinking every tiny decision. I need to see challenges as opportunities for growth and derive pleasure from the most mundane moments. If there’s a muddy puddle to be explored, no ifs or buts, I’m there rolling in it!

If we were all a little more Bella, the world would be a happier place.

Rest in peace Bella!