REBOOT: RESTART LIFE 2.05

Apart from many things that I learnt during WFH 2020 phase, the strongest one is to follow my passion in all fields. One such for me is my love for animals.

In my opinion entire world is divided into2 kinds of people: one, who love animals and others, who don’t exist. In my belief everyone has a spirit animal and that’s who we fall in love with – it could vary from canine, feline, equine or avis – all that matters in the end is who you fall in relationship with.

My spirit animal, or my familiar (a term most Sabrina fans on Netflix would know) are DOGS. I grew up having one as a watchover friend and since then have never been away from them. I count this as the second biggest blessing of my life and owe a lot to my family for this. He ensured that not only do I get over my initial fear of them, but also their eternal presence in my life.

Over the years, I have realized that a lot of my character traits were shaped up because of their furry presence. Penning down few for everyone’s benefit so that in case you are missing this blessing in life, it spurs you into action and get one of the little one’s a loving home.

Always Day One – trust me, it’s the way of life for our furry friends. They can be tired, exhausted, upset, neglected, abused or simply ignored by you – but come next morning and their love for you will start again. It’s an unending thing for them. Something they get never tired of. They start each day with renewed energy levels, dedication and focus towards one goal – in their case, it’s just “loving you”

Fun is in numbers – being part of few rescue groups and also having a large group at home, this was another learning. They always prefer to be in a team. They will fight for the last bite, be competitive, crave for your first pat on the head – but in the end, would always fall back with each other as a team. You try separating them for a night, and none will let you sleep. They will be anxious and edgy throughout and always wait for the others to come back.

Shake it out – that’s another thing furries do the best. Whenever they feel too bogged down, lonely, get dirty or drenched in worrisome water – they just shake it out and get going with their next task. You would never ever see a dog who continues to be drenched unless he really likes to be wet. And they won’t wait for someone else to dry them out. Simply shake out what worries, and get moving ahead is their mantra

Lick thy wounds – try scolding any one member of the group, and the minute you step out, you will see entire team in a huddle. They will sniff, smell, cuddle, push and lick him back to a happy mood. A good dog would never ever leave his companion’s side while the other’s spirits are low or if he just a bad day. You realize that sometimes in life, all we need is connection and a small moment to get us through.

Never give up – All of you familiar with dogs would notice the first thing which stands them apart is their spirit of tenacity. Whether its learning a new trick, chewing a bone or just trying to chase their own tails, they just never give up!

Life is short – None can teach you this better than a dog’s company. I read somewhere that “they come in our lives for a really short time, spend most of it waiting for us to come back home and give them a pat, then they pass away as quietly as they creep into our hearts.” In that short span, they end up teaching about unconditional love, compassion, hope, eagerness to do better and so on. They live their life to the fullest and don’t waste thinking too much about the last time they felt appreciated. They always try harder the next time, till they win it from you.

Would urge each one of you to find your familiar and care for them. And remember that loving is not just buying them for a breeder, loving also can mean finding them a love home if you can’t provide them shelter, become foster parents, visit and work with ngo’s working across your respective city, providing for them, volunteering your care services and of course if heart allows, bring them to their forever home with you.

…..and remember to adopt, not shop !!!

Cheers!

Ps:- my current family pic!

Some doggo movies for the weekend watch:-

Hachiko, Togo, Marley & Me, Max, Benji, Marmaduke, A dog’s purpose, 101 Dalmatians, Dog Days, Eight Below, Beethoven, Lassie, Bolt, Old Yeller, John Wick, Air Bud….