unbroken

There is a theory (I was reading about on Jon Katz's blog) that I have been thinking about lately that revolves around the notion that "in all of us there is an undamaged, unbroken core...the spirit of us that is pure and intact"(Katz). There is a part of us that views the world like we did when we were five....without the influence of ugly truths, or the experiences of disappointments, hurt and pain. And, as I fell in love with this theory, I thought about dogs...I thought about Sophie.



photo of sophie by scruffy dog photography

In my continued quest to understand and appreciate the human connection with animals, I've conversed with many pet owners...listened to their stories, felt their passions, pondered their theories about why and how these connections develop, why they are important and how they can run so deep. I believe this unbroken core theory is central to this connection.

photo of sophie by scruffy dog photography

It seems possible to me that our animals touch this spririt in us. Through their innocence, their exhuberance for joy and for love, their simple way of being, they are able to connect us periodically with our unbroken core....and we feel five years old again and see the world with awe and with hope and with wonder. And even if it's only for a few minutes at a time, it is, without a doubt, one of the most wonderful feelings in the world. I know this because I have found my spirit with Sophie in many places....as we danced with the snowflakes across a wintery field; as we swam in silly circles under a warm july sun; as we lost ourselves on the trails without a care for the time or the world; and everytime she has made me laugh out loud or my heart burst with love. She found the unbroken me.