I think it's fair to say we know nothing and animals know everything.
It's been humbling to learn this time and time again throughout all of my experiences with animals, caretaking and dog walking for nearly a decade. But last week I was gifted something really special - a lesson in faith and trust in life.
As a dog walker and animal lover, I always strive to keep the animals I care for safe and happy. However, sometimes trying too hard can become controlling, hindering fun and preventing me from being present in the moment. I was reminded of this during an experience with a new client's dog, Olive. After two weeks of training walks with their owner, whom I'll call P, I was scheduled to walk Olive on my own for the first time. I was slightly nervous and wanted everything to go "right"—whatever that meant. I had the entire route mapped out in my head, anxiously noting any possible situation where something could go "wrong" and how I’d handle it. Living in fear is not fun, nor is it smart.
I walked up to the door and pushed down on the handle, assuming it would be unlocked for me. It was locked, and I was greeted by P, who was supposed to have left but was running late. This particular dog is quite attached to their owner, so it was clear that if I were going anywhere with Olive, P was coming too. There went all my overplanning and worrying! I decided to see what would happen if I rolled with it, as I had been curious about what it meant for me to let go of the wheel anyway.
We ended up at Rosie's Dog Beach for nearly two hours, watching Olive revel in the joy of frolicking in the ocean. Sitting on the beach on a weekday morning, with an awesome human and an incredible dog, I realized I was being given an opportunity to relax and trust. I could have stayed in my head, getting upset about my original plan not happening, and I could have chosen to feel like a victim—but how could I with this view?
This wasn't just an incredible time at the beach; it was a lesson for me about how life isn't happening in my mind, it's happening all around me right here, right now.
Although I greatly influence the story of my life with my intention and feelings, I'm not in control. There is clearly something greater, something I am a part of, orchestrating all of this—and it's good. If I'm a part of it all—and I am—and I want the best for myself—which I do—then I can trust life to take perfect care of me. Having faith is believing in something you can't see, which creates the perfect lens to receive something you've never experienced before. To trust means to take action from a place of enduring faith, intentionally choosing your relationship with the sea of energy within and all around you. By having faith in life, I'm able to relax and embrace my child self, my true self—there's no other way. From that space, I can have an intentional relationship with life, co-creating new and awesome experiences.
Hi there! My name is Rachel and I'm a dog walker in Long Beach, California. I offer in-home sitting, drop-ins, hourly day stays and curated adventures for all the animals of the WORLD. Well, at least Long Beach, for now.
If you're interested in scheduling a service with me please submit an Intake Form under the Services section of my website and I'll reach out to you to set up a free Meet & Greet! Alternatively, you can call/text me at (310) 387 5584.
If you're interested in more content like this you can head over to my IG - goodlove_animalcare.
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