The Caregiver Role 🐶

Hello, and welcome back - it’s so wonderful to be in your inbox once again.

It’s quite apt that today is Mothering Sunday here in the UK, as I am talking about the ‘caregiver role’ - one that we traditionally attribute to the ‘mama bear’ of a household.

The ‘caregiver’ role is a really interesting one for me. We can, of course, see it as the standard definition suggests - someone who cares for another who cannot care for themselves. In the case of our dogs, this is providing them access to the things they can’t seek out for themselves in our domesticated setting: access to water, toilet breaks, walks, and - most importantly - food.

Dogs have a survival instinct that means they will find a level of comfort in the person that provide these things for them. But, I’ve seen these traditional ‘caregivers’ be the dog’s preferred human or one that they only seek out for their daily needs.

For me, earning the ‘top dog’ spot in our dog’s hearts is something that requires going beyond the physical aspects of care; it is a journey of mindful connection and understanding.

True caregiving begins with the simple act of observation. It involves tuning into the needs and emotions of our furry friends, understanding their cues, and responding with empathy and compassion. As a caregiver for our dogs, it is our duty to listen with intent and respond with love.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it can be easy to lose sight of the present moment but our dogs relish in the simple joy of time spent with us, truly connecting. A sniffy walk, a cuddle on the sofa, or a boisterous play session - simple moments of shared presence. In turn, these moments can remind us of the beauty of connection and the gift of unconditional love.

What sort of caregiver do you see yourself as?

Until next time,

Caroline