When it comes to training, behaviour modification and animal enrichment, I can go on for days.
I am endlessly looking for ways to better the lives of animals in our lives, and I’m happy to go on and on about it, just ask anyone! When asked to pen something about our mind, body and soul, I took pause. Do animals benefit our mind, body and soul? Can this be measured?
One of the delights of any day is time spent with a much-loved family pet. Tiny feet to massive paws settling on our lap as we enjoy that quiet cup in the morning. A momentary pause taking in the sight of them soaking in a sunbeam, or watching them take flight after a leaf on the wind. They teach us to put our whole heart into the joy of the simplest sort. A hand buried in a furry ruff, a sloppy kiss or a gentle nose boop. The purring leg weave upon returning home. Unconditional love.
They help ground us. Keep us in the present, get us out of our head. The fact that they need us for their daily care can be just enough to get our mind off work. That negative inner monologue is often trumped by the methodical peace brought on by the stroke of a brush or joy of an old trick repeated. The mental math required to train a new behaviour allows us to develop our own new habits, looking inward. Dissecting our own biases encourages growth in us all. A win for us and our pets.
That meditative quiet of the evening walk even with a small bag dangling from a hand; the very definition of keeping it real. One cannot be too self-absorbed with a bag of poop in your hand. Certainly, during this past year, they have been often our only reason to get out and get moving.
A brief social outing, a connected commiserative soul to bond with when others had to be distanced. When going out for groceries had turned into a potentially dangerous activity and the office took us to the kitchen table, our pets took us on adventures. The flush in our cheeks from a good game of tug and the quickened pulse and deepened breath from a quick run.
The satisfaction of efforts made, and training gains achieved, to time spent well rewarded with an endless supply of connection and affection. If not quantitative, it is most certainly felt. Our mind, body and soul are richly rewarded by the time spent with all creatures big and small.
