Dogs, loyalty beyond friendship

They say “Dogs are mans best friend.” I personally believe the bond between a dog and their owner goes beyond more than that. It is the one thing non-dog owners don’t understand. My two dogs, Molly and Willow, owe me nothing. They were born into a weird world. They are not running through a jungle hunting wild animals and fighting the elements to survive, instead they live in a nice warm house, sleep on a big comfy bed, get lovely food and sly treats (Don’t tell anybody!).

They are animals. They are not children. This is what makes the bond so special. They really don’t owe me anything, your dogs don’t owe you anything, their brain doesn’t work that that. They see this big gangly creature that shows them unconditional love, gives them everything they need to survive and in return they show love and complete and utter loyalty.

I think that is an amazing thing. If you step back, think about what a dog really is and then see how this animal thinks the world of you. People who don’t have dogs might be going “He is talking out of his butt.” If I did that I would have a youtube account with over a million hits, but I do not.

I will give you an example, which I am sure all dog or cat owners can relate too. Say you lose a loved one and you a heartbroken. You go upstairs, into your bedroom and you cry. You are sobbing your heart out when a muzzle is placed gently upon your knee. Your dog doesn’t know why you are crying, it cannot understand your words, but here they are just reassuring you that you are there with them.

Another example is if you are walking at night, someone approaches you, your dog stands by your side and they stand big, strong and on guard, ready to give their all to defend you. When my timid little dog, Willow, spotted someone in the new forest at night and stood between us, pointing at them, whilst she shook uncontrollably from fear. I never felt prouder. She was so scared, but she didn’t run, she didn’t think “every dog for herself!” She thought “I must protect you.”

These are two big examples, but there are a million tiny things throughout your day where this wild creature will come up and say. “I love you.” This for me is incredible. It is why I think the term “Man’s best friend” doesn’t properly sum up the bond between the owner and their dog. So, I put it to you. What is your stand out memory? When did your dog do something that really touched your heart and said “I love you, I am here for you.” I would really like to hear your replies and stories.

Dogs, the Forgotten Heroes

Last year I was sitting down at my computer and brain storming ideas for my next book. I was trying to paint a picture of the perfect hero. This made me think, do I actually know any heroes?

 I know some people that have served in the army, but I wanted something I had firsthand experience with. Then it hit me. I know a hero. This was someone that threw themselves into harm’s way when I was only six years old. Her evil opponent was bigger, stronger and nastier. It was a big black muscular dog. It was a dog that had attacked children before.

I was walking home with my dad and my Lakeland terrier, Katie, when this dog charged out of its front door and went for me. People who have dogs know when a dog is posturing or appearing big because it is scared. This dog was out to kill. Its target was a little blonde haired, blue eyed, six year old boy.

All I remember was a blur of motion, a squeal and Katie hanging from this things ear as it tried to shake her off. I also remember the look in her eyes. “I am going to die.” Nevertheless, Katie was my hero. She was frightened, scared and out matched, she could have easily run away, but she fought for me and I believe had she not been there that day something very bad could have happened to me.

This made me think. Who would actually do that? Who would put themselves in danger to protect someone that is important to them?

Katie has sadly passed away after living to the grand age of eighteen years old, but I have a million and one memories of my amazing, brave and faithful dog. There have been so many occasions where she has stood by me when I was growing up and was scared, but then many of my animals have done amazing things too.

It was at this point I decided that I was going to write a story about my old animals, they were heroes to me and the most loyal friends anyone could hope to have. I am lucky to live in a very beautiful part of the New Forest and before writing, The Legend of the Hermit Master, I chatted with the other dog walkers that I usually bump into and spoke to them about their dogs or old animals.

It was funny the amount of crazy and heroic stories I was told. I think anyone with a dog has a story to tell, as each and every dog is unique and has either done something amazingly brave, downright loyal or mind meltingly dumb!

When I use to write, under an old pen name, I would spend hours creating realistic characters that would connect with readers, but I really haven’t had to do that at all this time. This is Katie’s story, but it also Tammy’s story. This book is my dedication to my old dog that was practically joined at my hip for eighteen years, which is a staggering amount of time, and my twenty-one year old cat that sadly passed away earlier this year.  

People say there are no heroes left in this world, but all you have to do is look around and you can see millions of four legged heroes all over the globe. Do you have a favourite memory or story about an old pet? Please feel free to share it below.