Friday, March 13, 2020

The joys of canine empathy

Watching out for her
London, ON
March 2020
This photo originally shared on Instagram
Dogs just know when their people need them a little - or a lot - more than they usually do.

They know when a cuddle is called for, or when to simply stay close.

I often think Calli knows her people, us, better than we know ourselves. And just as often I marvel at her ability to handle the weight of the world on those seemingly tiny shoulders. Don't be fooled by her size: This Miniature Schnauzer is a giant in more ways than we'll likely ever know.

She's been hovering more than usual of late, following our every step, nudging us with her nose when she thinks we especially need a time-out from the chaos around us.

As you can see here, leaving Dahlia's side just isn't in the cards for her. And even now, as I write this, she has crawled into my lap and lies curled up into a tight ball of fur, her head resting on my knee. She's always looking out for us.

She doesn't speak in an identifiable language, but she makes sure we always know what she's thinking. And that always seems to revolve around keeping us grounded, making us smile, easing our fears.

I hope she knows how much we treasure her spirit. We always have, of course, but all of what makes her so integral to our family's story feels even more intense and nuanced these days. I can't imagine navigating this chapter without her.

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