I write this from a table that overlooks my balcony in Calgary, Alberta. The snow is falling lightly but piles of snow have built up over the last two days. The air smells clean, a little bit too clean for the virus that’s swarming the entire world. Coronavirus. The next few weeks are full of uncertainty and anxiety and stress are at an all time high. The media bombards us with bad news day after day, and some times it’s hard to be hopeful. To keep your head up and see the sunshine at the end of the storm. But it’s crucial.
The last month has been weird. Thing’s haven’t seemed quite right for a little bit and now they seem like full chaos. It’s hard to keep your head up when bad news keeps smacking you in the face. It’s easy to get upset and stay there, but for your own sanity; you cannot. Spirit has been a true lesson to me over the last few months. He’s taught me about dogs, dog health, people, and myself. He’s pushed me beyond my boundaries. I would never have taken a class alone before, but we’ve enrolled in 4 different classes together and every single time we’ve strengthened our bond, met new doggos and humans and had a blast. He’s a reason to go outside and get some fresh air when everything is a muck. He’s been a reason to have patience and love, sometimes he chews things that he shouldn’t. He has ultimately taught me that love will grow confidence and strengthen a bond.
Writing this, I feel a bit trapped. It’s snowing and -22 outside, my trip to Mexico just got cancelled and I feel like there is no good news in the forecast. But this morning in the freezing cold, Spirit and I went for a little walk. We went to the off leash park and he happily frolicked around for 20 minutes with his ball. His tongue lolling out of his mouth, tail wagging happily. In that moment it was a good reminder that there are little moments of joy, and happiness throughout every day. He’s now curled up in my bed with two blankets and enjoying a nice snooze.
Lessons From the Shelter 