Husband and I always wanted a dog in our life. But we put off the idea thanks to his job, which requires moving around the country every couple of years. We didn’t want to bring home a furball and then treat him like crap. Not that we ever could, but we never wanted to cause any discomfort, knowingly or unknowingly.
However, after so much contemplation (which lasted through five years of our marriage), the husband gifted me a pup, on our last wedding anniversary.
That’s when things changed. Mufasa happened.
“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling the emptiness we didn’t ever know we had”– Thom Jones
A couple of years ago, I was drowning in the most irrational of fears and obsessions that made me convince myself that I was unlovable. I zoned out most of the times and wandered into dark places. I couldn’t find a purpose for my life, and I was tired of trying. Don’t get me wrong. I had/have everything in life – all the blessings one would hope for, but then, there was always this nagging thought at the back of my mind. Today, when I wake up to my furball’s face I realize that he is in my life to fill the emptiness which I once had.
The husband’s current posting involves a lot of traveling and being out of station for days or sometimes, weeks together. I’m not sure how I coped with the frustration and loneliness before because I cannot now imagine living in an empty house. I can talk out loud how crappy my day was going, I can share my happiness and also goof around because I know for a fact that this sweet little thing isn’t judging me. Well, that is a big deal! Alright!
When you decide to take out your time by bringing home a furball, you are also being responsible for a life who will depend on you, no matter what. For one, you need to feed him throughout his life, take care of him and know for sure he is as comfortable and happy as he can get. You feel a greater sense of purpose. Ask me about it!
“The Best Therapist has fur and four legs.”
They say animals are huge stressbusters. I cannot agree more. There are times when Muffy acts like a clown. For instance, he always tries to go round and round trying to catch his tail just before I feed him, or runs around doing zoomies in the house. But then there are times when he notices me sitting idly on the bed feeling blue. That’s when he brings a squeaky toy, places his head on my lap and looks at me as if asking me to just take it easy and to play with him.
Sometimes, he rolls on the floor smiling at me, seeking attention. Else he storms into the adjacent room to steal the husband’s socks and expects me to chase him around the house.
He makes me laugh.
When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.
– AD. Williams
We also share our silent moments. If you follow Muffy’s Instagram posts and stories, you’d know that almost every day, we wake up together, go outside in the lawn to soak up the sun. He sits on the grass for some time listening to the birds chirp after which he climbs on the chair next to me. He just sits like that for almost an hour while I sip my tea and sort out my to-do list for the day.
I never really believed in the potential of dog therapy even though I have never lived without a dog in my life. But Muffy makes me get out of the bed on those gloomy days. When I go out for a walk with him, I know I got the much-needed fresh air and the time and space to clear my head. It is a welcome distraction that helps me stay positive for the rest of the day.
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.
– Anatole France
His unconditional love has made me pen down this post today and thereby, get back to blogging. This October 4, the feast day of the Patron Saint of Animals, Saint Francis of Assisi, I want to declare to the world that my furbaby has touched my life in ways I cannot express. My heart fills with love and gratitude and I am thankful for him every day.
You can find other Dog Stories here.
So very glad to see you blogging again after a long hiatus, Shaalu. Muffy is super cute and I can see the ways and means he is trying to keep you happy and occupied and vice-versa 😀
Thanks, Meenu. Feels good to be back 🙂
SO very happy to see you get back to blogging, Shalini. 🙂
And this post brought a big smile to my face. I am sure Muffy shares your sentiments, and adores you as much as you adore him.
And thank you for sharing those cute updates on Instagram. I love Muffy’s feed almost as much as I love yours!
Thanks, Shantala. Means a lot.
Love all the quotes and your Muffy is adorable. Enjoying his IG feed.
Thank you, Suzy 🙂
I follow Muffy on Insta, and he is adorable. My husband is an animal lover, and reasons with me about getting a dog, citing all the pointers you shared. Only issue, I am terrified of animals!
Haha. I can imagine! But do consider bringing home a pet – be it a dog or a bird. It will shower you with unconditional love. 🙂
Each word here reminded me of my Chikoo..The struggles you go through, the way Muffy brings a smile on your face, the way he has filled the vacuum in your world–every bit of it reminded me of Chikoo and I was choked, overwhelmed with emotions. Hugs Shalini! I need to go kiss my CHikoo’s picture..
Tight hugs to you too, Shilpa. Lots of love..
Aww this post tugged my heart strings. Your baby is the cutest Shalzzy and I love how much you have poured out here in this post – Keep going. I have been missing your writings and its great to see you back.
Much love and hugs to muffy ofcourse!!
P.S. He looks adorable in that bowtie!!! 🙂
Thank you for everything you do to cheer me up, Shalini. Truly means a lot. I hope you know that. <3
I love Muffy. I love his stories on Instagram. And I agree with every word that you’ve written. Dogs are magical. They bring so much love and joy to our lives. I have the exact same sentiments about Coco.
Thanks, Rachna. I love your Instagram stories featuring Coco.
Muffy is true saviour, isn’t he? Indeed a miracle with four legs and a tail. I am so happy to read this post Shalu. All of us pass through tough phases in our life and we need that anchor to pull us out of those downs. Muffy is that anchor. How lovely to experience that totally innocent and unselfish love that only ypur adorable furball can give you! Stay blessed and keep those words flowing!
Thank you very much, sweet Kala <3 He indeed is the miracle of my life.
Thank you, Suzy. 🙂
Muffy is so cute and brilliant. He exactly knows what his mom and dad want. Stay blessed always!
Vasantha Vivek recently posted…Breathing In Gratitude, Breathing Out Compassion – #GratitudeCircleBlogHop
Your post brought a smile to my face because I know that transformational love from a dog well. My two puppers have literally changed my life and I can’t imagine what it would be without them.
Thanks for sharing your story and I’m very glad that Muffy found you!
Megan Jones recently posted…What You Need to Know About Dog Beach Etiquette and Safety
Omgosh! Muffy is so cute. My doggies are called Buffy and Fluffy! It rhymes with Muffy. lol. Before my dogs, my life had no purpose. They actually helped me love life again and be better. Dogs are amazing. I’m glad you finally got your furbaby and that he is helping you find your joy again. 🙂
Lorenza recently posted…Best Brush for Heavy Shedding Dog – Fluffy’s reviews