Can our dogs help us through the New Year struggle?

It’s the New Year and a time for positivity - a new beginning, starting afresh and making resolutions.  However it isn't always as positive a time as you’d expect. Often the thought of the year ahead can be daunting and it can take a while to get going - especially after the chaos of Christmas.  Certainly the thought of doing the things I put off until the New Year is not as appealing as I’d hoped. I know for some, it can be quite a tricky time and, for others the struggle is constantly there regardless of the time of year.

I like to think I am a pretty upbeat person but I can sometimes wake up feeling low. It’s directly related to the weather - it will only happen when the sky is grey and closed in. I can be out and about, chatting and laughing but wonder why I still have this feeling of gloom - one look upwards reminds me.

It’s not so bad for me and it certainly doesn't stop me doing anything but I imagine this may not be the case for lots of people who struggle on a daily basis. There is lots written about mental health and its great it’s out there - I am certainly no expert, but I can share what is helpful for me.

Obviously our dogs are amazingly rewarding whether just as company, to share thoughts, to stroke and pet or just the fact they need to be looked after which can fill your time and give purpose. There is no doubt that the responsibility of looking after dogs can make you do more - they can’t do it themselves and you can’t let them down.

Teasel volunteering at Kings College hospital

And the benefits of dogs is proven - not just as therapy dogs for hospitals or care homes but dogs are now being taken into schools, universities and prisons such are the rewards they offer. How fantastic they can make people feel more positive and cared for just by being themselves.

Knut’s book review

Instagram is another place where people can express themselves and talk about their issues with illness whether mental or physical - often anonymously or within character. One of my absolute favourite instagram accounts is @knutandcompany. Knut is an ageing golden retriever whose ‘voice’ is educated, sarcastic and absolutely hilarious - his book reviews of children’s classics and wine reviews are brutal, insightful and hugely amusing.  

I had a very clear picture in my head who I thought the human was behind this account (even I recognise that they weren't all Knut’s own words) -  definitely male, and a confident bon viveur. What a huge surprise when the human showed her face and explained some of the issues she was facing with mental health - all the more moving when the problems were at odds with the wit and humour of Knut’s sardonic musings. What an amazing outlet for sharing.  Due to Knut’s imminent retirement the account is being overseen by Hades the horror loving, bad therapy cat.  And this goes hand in hand with a second account @the_agoraphobic_photographer which consists of  stunning, beautiful, powerful images in nature. Do check them out.

But the best therapy for me is to be out and about with Reg and Bob because they never seem to feel down. And I believe being outside is a small way of overcoming the gloom. Having the responsibility of two terriers who are dogs that want be be dogs and living in London, means they always have to go out - no acreage out the back door for them to entertain themselves should there be a temporary blip in focus. A wet muddy walk with my boys does wonders - and don't forget everything we sell is washable and we have the muddy dog clean up sussed so no post walk stress for us.

Our dogs can’t begin to cure illness of any type but they offer a wonderful vehicle to help deal with the pressures of modern living - and not just in the physical way of being out and about.  It could easily be said that pet ownership has a very one sided benefit but I hope that our four legged friends feel they are enjoying a really fabulous life with us too - they certainly deserve it.

Are there ways you have to coax yourself through the tougher months? We’d love to hear about them - but if it’s a trip to Barbados perhaps keep it to yourself!