"But who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, and the birds of the Heavens?" Job 35:11
I have recently realized how much I learn from animals; dogs in particular.
Meet Lucy and Molly:
I have recently realized how much I learn from animals; dogs in particular.
Meet Lucy and Molly:
I have had the privilege of dog-sitting Molly a few times. Molly is a lovable, harmless, big clown. But I have noticed she gets very anxious. When I keep her she goes far too long with out going to the bathroom, eating, or drinking because of this. I can relate to being too anxious to eat, and using this as a coping mechanism. When I am standing in my kitchen, Molly always stays behind me against the wall. She is fearful. I reassure her that there is nothing to be afraid of and everything is alright. But she still feels anxious. Sometimes she goes off and lays in the corner of my room all alone, while Lucy and I are in the other room. I can relate to that. There are times when I am fearful and have no reason to be, I am anxious and I do not even know what about! I need to just be alone sometimes. Molly has helped me understand that others love me despite my anxiety. Lucy and I love having Molly in the room with us, even if she is staring out as if constantly waiting for something scary to come through the door; afraid and unable to relax. We love her just the way she is. This gives me confidence to be around others even when I am afraid, and unable to speak, or be "the life of the party". I know my friends and family love me. It is healing for me to be able to love Molly the way I also desire to be loved. I am able to forgive myself for my shortcomings because I have learned from Molly that it is okay; okay to feel the uneasiness, and okay to be alone sometimes, and okay to just be myself around those that love me! I feel honored and thankful when Molly feels comfortable enough to lay down by Lucy and I, and even play with Lucy. Because I understand how hard it can be, and how rare the truly fun and "normal" moments can feel; but this makes me cherish them even more. When I took them outside, Lucy sprawled out in the grass, rolling around, letting her belly soak up some sun! But Molly would not; she was distracted by sights and sounds going on all around her. I can relate to this because when I am at social events, I struggle to focus on a conversation someone is trying to have with me, because I am so distracted by threats I feel all around me. I so badly wanted Molly to enjoy herself, relax, and have fun like Lucy! Didn't she see that she was safe on a leash, with Lucy and I? But I understand; I understand that I can not force her to "just relax". The stress she was feeling was real. She just needed to feel safe and loved. So I did just that.
Now Lucy is almost the exact opposite of me! She LOVES to be the life of the party, go up to every single person in a crowded room, and get lots of attention! I admire her for this, and she has helped me in so many ways. I take her into public with me occasionally, because she is my certified emotional support animal. People will come up to me asking to pet her; she is so loving and encouraging to everyone she comes in contact with. I have gotten to meet people I would have otherwise never even made eye contact with. We connect over a love for pets, and how special dogs can be to us. Lucy's joy and energy is contagious and I do not take that for granted! She is always there for me. When I am having a rough day, she makes me laugh. When I can not even laugh, she kisses me and never leaves my side. I do not know what I would do with out her constant companionship. When I am unable to allow others to see me, she is still there; I never have to worry about her judging me. She is simply content just being with me no matter what I am like that day; and there is something so healing about that. She has been through many seasons of life with me; nursing school, on and off depression, happiness, my eating disorder, and all the ups and downs of recovery. She faithfully attends therapy with me! And she has helped me in my recovery. I value taking care of her more, which helps me want to take care of myself. I want her to eat enough, always have water, socialize with others, get some exercise. This helps me realize how important all of these aspects are in my life as well.
I thank God for blessing us with His animals as our companions on this earth. We are to be caretakers of them, but honestly, they take care of us in ways that we could never repay them for. All I can do is turn to God and thank Him for allowing me to feel His love through them.
Now Lucy is almost the exact opposite of me! She LOVES to be the life of the party, go up to every single person in a crowded room, and get lots of attention! I admire her for this, and she has helped me in so many ways. I take her into public with me occasionally, because she is my certified emotional support animal. People will come up to me asking to pet her; she is so loving and encouraging to everyone she comes in contact with. I have gotten to meet people I would have otherwise never even made eye contact with. We connect over a love for pets, and how special dogs can be to us. Lucy's joy and energy is contagious and I do not take that for granted! She is always there for me. When I am having a rough day, she makes me laugh. When I can not even laugh, she kisses me and never leaves my side. I do not know what I would do with out her constant companionship. When I am unable to allow others to see me, she is still there; I never have to worry about her judging me. She is simply content just being with me no matter what I am like that day; and there is something so healing about that. She has been through many seasons of life with me; nursing school, on and off depression, happiness, my eating disorder, and all the ups and downs of recovery. She faithfully attends therapy with me! And she has helped me in my recovery. I value taking care of her more, which helps me want to take care of myself. I want her to eat enough, always have water, socialize with others, get some exercise. This helps me realize how important all of these aspects are in my life as well.
I thank God for blessing us with His animals as our companions on this earth. We are to be caretakers of them, but honestly, they take care of us in ways that we could never repay them for. All I can do is turn to God and thank Him for allowing me to feel His love through them.