Since I can remember, I have always had at least one dog in my life since I was born. They have played an essential part in my families structure, and always will. Two years ago, when I started recovering from an eating disorder, we decided it would be an excellent time to get a dog. Our old one had passed away, and we were missing a link to our family. No dog can be replaced. However, new bonds form and that connection can be re-established. So my father and I drove to Montreal and picked up a baby rottweiler soon to be named OJay. He slept in my arms the whole drive back except for washroom breaks, and we bonded immediatly. Taking care of him as well as nourishing my body proved to be quite the task but also helped keep me goal orientated. As months went on and I trained him, we became even closer and more connected. Soon he was able to tell when I was sad, happy, angry, or any emotion and then acted in accordance. I cannot cry without my dog trying to lick my tears. I cannot be happy without my dog trying to celebrate with me. I cannot be angry alone without my dog trying to make me happy again, and how could I forget if I’m uncomfortable. My dog will put as much space as he can between me and everyone else, and let’s say for your sake, I wouldn’t try to get any closer. He loves those I love, and it is self-evident. I have been so lucky to have OJay to help me in my recovery as well as improve the quality of my life. If you think I sound crazy, I would safely assume you don’t have a dog, and all I have to say to that is GET ONE.
Tag: love
Family
Today I met some of my mothers, biological family. I met my aunt Karen, uncle John, and cousin Mike. Though my family life has been far less than average throughout my life, it is still something I value dearly and hold close to my heart. Growing up, I always felt a bit left out of society because this idea of what a family was, was not how identified with my own family. As I have gotten older that has changed even more, however, I have made it work to the best of my abilities and am very close with of few of my immediate and extended family. Now meeting family, I knew existed but thought I would never meet is astonishing. My mother is adopted, and though I love her family, I have always been curious as to who her biological family is. I had no idea about going into today what to expect, but all my expectations exceeded my thoughts, and I left very happy. It was so absurd to me that I felt so close to people I just met, and that I could talk to them better than some people I have known my whole life. My mom and her sister looked so alike it was so weird for me to see her with a family member who resembled her because I am not used to it at all. My aunt says she feels like we have so much missed time, but I do not see it that way. I see it as now we have all of this new time together, as well as more cousins who I will continue to know forever as well. Family isn’t always blood-related, some times they are, some times you have known them forever, and sometimes you’ll meet new ones you never knew you had.
Halle's Blog 