I loved Barbara Woodhouse as a kid. Even did an impression her at the Brownie talent show when I was 7. Anyway…
The thing about having a dog (did I mention I have a dog?!) is that they need walking. Honestly, every day, twice a day Malone wants to go out, meet new dogs, sniff new lamp posts and bark at people on bikes. There are days I don’t want to get out of bed but the hound doesn’t have bad mental health days. He has let’s go and get fuss off new people days and that’s it. Every day is exciting, brings the opportunity for belly rubs and sausages and he gets to be with his favourite people.
He’s an inspiration but the best thing is that for at least 30 minutes every morning I’m outdoors the dog. No phone, no distractions, just praising the fur ball for learning to cock his leg, being a responsible dog walker and getting my messy brain together. It gives your day a different rhythm. You get to change your focus and notice the world around you.
You might be able to do that without a dog and if so, I’m applauding wildly right now, but dogs are awesome and they slowly make you feel awesome too.