It was the right time for us to get a dog. Our kids are now 6 and 9, old enough to not compete with a pet and learn from the experience… and just maybe pitch in and help raise the pup. My daughter has attended summer camps at the Boulder Valley Humane Society and spent long hours pining away at all the dogs in need of homes there. It’s amazing that our Humane Society has a no kill policy—and even more amazing that so many members of our community show up to give these animals love. We were due.
It happened when I was away. My wife told me that she and the kids were “just going over there to look at some animals.” I asked if we were getting a dog. “No, no, just looking.” Two days later, I got a phone call from my kids and all I could understand through their happy screaming was: “He loves us sooo much!” We got a dog.
What a dog he is. The shelter thought he was most likely a Norwegian elkhound mix, a manageable 50-or-so-pound pup who would be quite loyal and love the snow. Perfect. He was sure one cute ball of fur. But as he grew, he looked less and less like a Norwegian elkhound. And he kept getting bigger. Then one day when we were walking him in the Flatirons, a girl walked up and asked if he was an Anatolian shepherd. “Norwegian elkhound mix,” we replied. But I looked up Anatolian shepherd when I got home… and, well, that sure looks like the type of dog we have. He will grow up to be 100-140 pounds. Anatolian shepherds are used by cheetah conservationists in Namibia to protect farmers flocks. The cheetahs are afraid of these big dogs, which means the farmers won’t kill the cats. Supposedly, Anatolians can even take down wolves. At least he’s got a great disposition.
Truly, he is sweet. As is the connection we are building. The longer we have him, the more we are becoming attuned to each other. And while I was worried that a puppy might limit our outdoor time, he is getting us out more than ever. And more than that, he has made me more mindful of just getting outside, something, I have to admit, I was shocked to realize about myself. We get so used to the way we experience the outdoors—biking, skiing, runs, power hikes—we sometimes forget the pure joy of just wandering out and sticking your nose to the fresh snow and trying to see what you can find. Since we got the dog, I have hiked more on paths I didn’t know existed. I have found new places to explore in my neighborhood, met other people out walking (who, of course, want to meet this cute pup), had some time just to enjoy each day. How did I forget about that?
I read that on a mystic level dogs represent the spirit of service. Take that as you will, but his service to me so far has not just been being a good companion to our family but also getting me to better remember parts of myself. And I wonder how I can be of better service. With the holidays near, I think it’s important to know that the best gifts we can give the people we love is simply our attention. Thanks to my dog, I hope to be of better service this year.
