The Summer of 2021 my life changed drastically. My world felt empty and cruel. Living alone and working from home became a demoralizing environment that I couldn’t bear anymore. It was clear I needed a constant reminder and resource of unconditional love, so naturally I began my search for a puppy.
In the damp June heat of 2021 I found the puppy that fills my life with sunshine. From the moment we found each other he clung to me, always ready for a cuddle or nuzzle. His clunky white paws reach out to me for everything he needs, and his eyes show me he believes I am the ultimate resource. I became his greatest protector, keeping him safe from the scariest monsters in our world (like bubbles).
Our first few months together were not easy, but they were encompassed with his sweet demeanor and lots of slobbery kisses. His drool wiped away my heartache, his potty training set-backs strengthened my patience, and his unconditional love and need for me restored my faith in myself.
Emmett is so much more than a token “pandemic puppy.” Everyday life brings us a new challenge, for him or for me, but together we overcome it all, the big and small. He shines his light on all the beautiful things I forget about and reminds me there’s more important things in our lives than what’s troubling us.
Seeing the world through a puppy’s eyes lifted my spirit and rejuvenated the positive outlook on life I used to have. Emmett’s curiosity reminds me to enjoy the simple things, and let myself be amazed by the obvious and overlooked. Our world is full of mystery and joy found in our wonderment if we can move past our initial worries.
When he was only a few months old Emmett was scared of bubbles. He ran from the menacing quick-flying orbs that materialize out of nowhere and move around on their own. But once he built up his confidence and put aside his initial fear, he started watching them with a newfound amazement.
Now he likes to play with bubbles in the backyard like they’re his favorite playmate. He still doesn’t understand how they materialize, or how they float around on their own, but he’s found a way to accept the unknown and simply enjoy their mystery.
The world is undoubtedly still filled with terrifying things, many of them are especially frightening because they’re out of our control or understanding, but we can’t let ourselves be swallowed by the darkness.
Emmett gives me the sunshine I need to carry on, and reminds me to regularly shift my focus back to the simple delights that surround me.
If Emmett gives you a serotonin boost, you can follow him on instagram for reminders of the world through a puppy’s eyes.
Margaret Breaks 