The Power of Dogs

2020 was a year to remember. Incredibly challenging times across the globe, and everyone’s lives were flipped upside down. Although it can be hard to see the good in a situation like that, I believe that I learned many things about myself and many other important lessons. I missed out on my senior year. I wasn’t able to graduate. I couldn’t go to school in the fall. My life was ruined. But there were many positive aspects that I often overlooked like being able to go on more adventures and connect with nature, discovering new hobbies, and being able to spend almost every day with my dog, Barley.

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After getting an email from the University of Delaware stating that I won’t be going to campus in the fall. I don’t know how to react, my face is expressionless. All of my friends are leaving. I’m going to be stuck at home without anyone. I was going to be alone with Barley.

I had the same routine every day. I would get up, make breakfast and watch Netflix, go to classes and do some work, then walk Barley. Even if my schedule was a little different one day and I wouldn’t get to walk her, I would devote time to play with her and her toys or just to lay down with her and cuddle. I had never realized before how significant a dog can be in someone’s life. I had always loved her but didn’t realize how much she could affect my mood. Barley was my best friend, my confidant, my audience for my daily singing, and more. She helped me to not feel as lonely.

On Christmas Eve, my parents took Barley to the emergency vet. She hadn’t eaten for over a day. I was terrified and spent the whole day worried about her and wondering when and if she’ll be able to come home. That night I went to bed and Barley was still at the vet. I could barely sleep, but I woke up to whining outside my bedroom door. Barley was waiting for me to wake up, it was the best Christmas present I could’ve asked for. Although it was exciting to have her home, Barley’s health concerns continued the whole month of January. She was tired every day and the veterinarians still could not figure out what was wrong. My best friend wasn’t the same.

Eventually in February, the veterinarians found a medicine that would be able to keep Barley healthy, but then I had to leave for school. I was so excited to finally be able to leave home, but I didn’t realize how sad I would be to leave Barley. She was such a significant part of my life for the last few months and I didn’t know what I would do without her. I had expected my fall semester at home to be one of the most difficult parts of my life, but Barley was able to make it so much better. I had always loved dogs, but through 2020 I learned the significant power that a dog can hold in making your days so much better.