Spike : Leading by Example - 1 min read

It is incredible how much I am learning each day with my pup. And it is not limited to dogs but the interconnections with life in general.

We all enjoy our living space at home, which has been the biggest casualty. Dogs, choose your favourite spot and even become your shadow. Occasionally following you to the restroom and beyond. I am privileged to have the most patient audience for my residual vocal aspirations! Though I pity his ears as they curiously perk up when I hit a high note! Pet parents forget all the corners they had to themselves. Strangely the sacrifice surrounds you with a warmth that is impossible to define.

Dog behaviourists discourage owners from letting them become possessive. I agree. And I have taught Spike likewise. But, I also marvel at his persuasiveness and persistence. A dog has an IQ equal to a human toddler. But they can navigate situations way better than humans. When the bark and jump do not scare us, he will immediately expose his belly in surrender. Even with his brain-to-body ratio of 1:125, he understands better that love conquers all.

Research confirms that dogs experience basic emotions. But they don’t have and will never develop complex ones. Gratitude and guilt belong to the second group. Yet the wagging tail and apologetic bow seem sincerer than words. And those glistening eyes and broad smiles? They are the best expressions of gratefulness I have ever seen.

Spike has taught me the meaning of the phrase be here now. From nervousness before a bath to chasing flies right after he is done, Spike lives every moment. His focus on what happens around him is much lesser than what he puts his mind and energy to. Having mastered carpe diem, he never stays on the periphery of life but lives to the fullest.

Have you ever felt edgy and restless? Well, a dog could teach you a lesson or two. We may find them to be fidgety little beings. But try taking his eyes off his favourite ball or the tastiest treat - you will know patience is the mother of all virtues.

Each time I see this little boy, I am reminded of the idiom, like a dog with two tails. Spike is a happy, curious, and energetic baby. He is a delight at day end and the most difficult to leave behind each morning.

Spike has become an inseparable part of our family. He is our most precious child, a sibling and indeed our best friend. His faithful and loving ways have snuggled deep into our hearts and we can’t live without him.

With his own special Pizza-courtesy Steph