NIRVANA

Yesterday, 26th August 2026, marked the International Dog Day and I have been reflecting on the ten years since my dog Zoulou came into my life. Maybe, you will be able to relate if you have a dog or a pet.

From Zoulou’s morning ritual of love, his steady presence, his unwavering faithfulness, his gift of bringing people together, and his cute habits.

A MORNING RITUAL OF LOVE

My day usually starts with Zoulou licking my face in the morning as soon as I wake up and I would also give him lots of hugs. It is one of the things that I am grateful for when starting my day.

When I get back home from somewhere, Zoulou gives me the warmest welcome, waggling his tail, and expressing his happiness that I am back. Even if I had a rough day, Zoulou’s warm welcome always puts a smile on my face.

A SILENT, STEADY PRESENCE

A dog’s presence and companionship reduces feelings of loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression through emotional support.

Zoulou sometimes can just sit next to me but his presence is enough for me to feel safe and peaceful. Sometimes, after a stressful day, while stroking Zoulou’s fur, I would feel the stress melting away and my shoulders slowly dropping down.

Unlike human beings, dogs do not hesitate to show their affection or ask for it. Zoulou would often come to me or my parents and pat his paw on our leg and we would caress his head. Without using any words, he is able to convey what he needs.

FAITHFUL, COME WHAT MAY

A dog is man’s most loyal companion. Zoulou has never left our side and once he even walked around 1.5 kms by himself looking for us at the garden we usually brought him for his walk since we were not home yet. We thought he was lost and luckily found him near the garden after 24 hours.

Watching the movie – Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, brought tears to my eyes which is a real story about an Akita dog in Japan. The real story reveals that the dog Hachi waited for his owner, a professor who passed away due to a fatal brain hemorrhage at the same train station where he would come everyday to receive him. The dog unaware of the death of his owner waited for nearly 10 years at the train station.

HOW ZOULOU CONNECTS OUR HEARTS

I have seen people’s behavior change with the presence of a dog. I believe that a dog is non-judgmental and actually sees a person for who he or she truly is. The dog acts as a social catalyst by bringing people together. I noticed people getting less angry with fewer arguments, and fewer conflicts. I witnessed people becoming more compassionate and develop more empathy.

I also believe that a dog enhances the relationship that we have with ourselves. A dog helps us to heal ourselves and our deepest wounds. Hence, by improving the relationship we have with ourselves, we can actually enhance our relationship with other people as well.

A WALK TOWARD WELLBEING

In the morning, Zoulou would tilt his face and look at me wondering if we would go for a walk. As soon as I put my pants on, he will start barking with excitement.

When we would bring Zoulou for his walk, at the same time we are connecting with nature, working our cardio, enhancing our muscle health, improving our cognitive abilities, and releasing stress and anxiety while improving our mood.

At the same time, we are enjoying some vitamin D and meeting other regular walkers as well. Hence, a dog can help us lead a healthier life as well.

A PROTECTOR OR GUARDIAN ANGEL

Dogs often sense danger and will do anything to protect the people that they love. If we are walking by the beach and a person with a suspicious behaviour is passing by, Zoulou would start barking and would not let anyone come close to our perimeter.

Dogs observe a lot and since they have a heightened sense of smell, hearing, and sensitivity to environmental changes, they can sense potential dangers before humans.

My Final Reflection

I feel very grateful to have my dog Zoulou in my life and the deep bond that we share. From his warm licking, his cute little face, and his eyes when he looks at me, he fills my life with so much joy and happiness. Happy 10th Birthday Zoulou & thank you for being in my life!

On this International Dog Day, let us honour our dogs, protect and care for our dogs. Let us protect all dogs from acts of violence or being neglected or abandoned.

How about you? What has your dog or pet brought into your life?

Yashna Veera

Life Coach and Yoga & Meditation Practitioner

NIRVANA