In the month we saw the return of Crufts, we were reminded of the appreciation and pure love we have for the domesticated dog. A little disclaimer as I know there’s a lot of controversy that surrounds Crufts – in particular that of the show breeds – and I too have mixed feelings on the event. But this post is a homage (outside of these standards) to all the pets we welcome into our homes. Each with their own personality and uniqueness, it’s rare to find any two the same. And with this, there’s no denying the truth when one claims their pet to be the ‘best’ – they’re not lying!
I’ve worked with dogs in a range of professions over the years and completed many dog related courses in that time too; including canine care, behaviour, and first aid. It’s the knowledge learnt from these that provide a greater understanding when it comes to the physical aspect of the jobs. My career has seen me work as a dog walker and pet sitter; in a boarding kennel and day care centre (the latter of which I have particularly strong opinions on); and with rescue dogs in a rehoming centre. I’ve met almost every breed under the sun, from Chihuahuas to Cane Corso’s, and this is what excites me. Learning their unique traits, how their problem-solving skills differ, their individual behaviours on walks, and how each hold varying levels of focus when it comes to training. It’s only from this exposure and these interactions that you truly appreciate them in their own right. You learn what requirements they each need, what a daily routine would look like with them, and what stimulation is required to ensure their mental and physical needs are met. And this is why it’s so important to research. Learn about the breed, perhaps gain some experience beforehand, and really consider which one would suit your lifestyle before bringing a new pup home.
Most people have their own ideal breed: the one they grew up with; the one they’ve always dreamt of owning; the one that matches perfectly with their personality and lifestyle. For me, that’s the Collie. The Border Collie or the Smooth Collie if we’re being pedantic. Likely due to the fact I come from a family of farmers who work sheepdogs, there was little to no consideration for any other when it came to getting our first family dog. We welcomed Benji into our home the year I started secondary school. There’s no doubting the fact those four paws and waggy tails leave such an impressionable impact the moment they enter our lives. For those of you who grew up with a dog in the family, you’ll know there’s a special place in the heart for the dog who saw you through the transition into adulthood. You navigated life together. It’s the dog who was there to comfort you when life got hard. It’s the dog who taught you commitment and the responsibility of another. It’s the dog who was the first to show their unconditional love. Your first dog simply became your true best friend.
It’s because of this however, we find the grieving stage so difficult when the time comes to let go. Unless you’re a pet owner yourself, it can be a hard to understand the feeling of saying goodbye to a furry friend. It’s been almost two years since we had our childhood dog put to sleep and even now, I still think of him a lot. I watch the collies on agility courses in the arena, working with their master on the farm, or running after a frisbee in the park, and I see it. I see their joy and passion as they run. But equally, I watch the collies pacing up and down a kennel, waiting to be adopted in a rescue centre, not understanding why they are where they are, and I see that too. In their eyes. In their deep brown collie eyes. They tell so much story in those eyes. There’s nothing quite like it. They will always be my favourite.
And whilst I don’t have a dog in my life currently, I know there’s a place reserved in my heart for when the time does come to welcome a new friend in our home.
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