Our puppy was born on January 2nd, 2015. We named her Annie. When she is old enough, she will be trained to be a therapy dog. She will visit children in hospitals and the elderly in retirement homes.
I thought she would only help others; I didn’t realize how much she would help me.
I found an article in a doctor’s office. Five ways to reduce anxiety. One of the items on the list was to take care of a pet. Maybe if I had more pets I would be less anxious? Perhaps four cats and one dog is not enough? Or maybe I need more than seven litter boxes so I don’t have to clean them all every day.
And, lately, I have been anxious.
Sometimes everything I have to do is in my head at the same time. All speaking loudly, demanding my attention: pay the bills put the wet laundry in the dryer vacuum the carpets straighten the shoes by the door watch the video on how to use inDesign read the book about Memoir Writing by Marion Roach Smith feed the cats clean the litter boxes call my mother illustrate my book paint a painting learn how to make videos write a children’s picture book make supper load the dishwasher unload the dishwasher sweep the kitchen floor …
and then I take a deep breath, five of them, and take the puppy for a walk. I hold her close to my face and she leans into me and relaxes. Calm and serene she quiets the voices in my head.
The mess in my head sorts it self out. I chose to do one thing.
Draw.
Do you have a pet? Does your pet help calm you when you are anxious? Please reply in the comments. As always I would love to hear from you.
p.s. For the month of March I will be writing daily slice of life stories for the Two Writing Teachers March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Slices of my life, sharing to encourage and bring laughter. You can click on the link to read other stories.
Four years ago I did the challenge and I met many writers and made friends. I am excited to see them again this month.
xo
Love Pamela
