Tags
Animals, Birthdays, Blessings, Celebration, Dog, Gratitude, Guide Dogs, Happiness, Inner Peace, Labradoodle, Pampered Pooch
As Munch awaits patiently to turn 9 tomorrow on the 18th December, where he will be showered with love, gifts and possibly a treat or ten, I find myself reflecting back on our last seven years together in our Guide Dog partnership.
When he trotted into my life at 23 months full of charisma and cheek, I wondered what it would be like when he would grow older and wiser. Seven years on, and he may have grown older but the wiser..? … maybe not. He seems as healthy today as he was when we met. He runs like a pup, explores new places in total awe, gets the Zoomies at least once a day, meets everyone with his helicopter tail, and will sit his six stone self on anyone’s lap regardless if they want it or not.
Luckily, he has not shown any sign of slowing down as he grows gracefully towards his senior years. After his operation a little while back to remove a fatty lump, he seems to bouncing back stronger than ever. What follows is my nine favourite memories with this sprightly ageless Labradoodle that I have had the pleasure of sharing over the years.
Always biting off more than he can chew
Munch always thinks big and enjoys getting himself in situations that he usually needs rescuing from. From getting stuck in mud, getting stuck under the same hotel bed ….3 times…. , to instigating a speedy rescue operation from a London Park after a minor injury accompanied with major dramatic acting skills, life is never dull.
Being the leader of our pack
Whilst out and about, you will always find Munch leading out in front of us all. With four adult children and three grandchildren, our pack needs a leader, and Munch is the dog for the job. Slightly led by ego, but mainly by pride, our sashaying warrior is always happy to lead us astray. One of his favourite places to guard us s under a table at a restaurant. He heroically leaps at a dropped chip and devoures it , just incase it causes injury to us. Well that is what he will lead you to believe anyway.
Being the eyes in our relationship
Now, Munch’s vocabulary has increased over our time together and recognises many words in the usual shops we visit. Even when the shops move the layout around, Munch can sniff out certain items such as cheese, bread, treats and crisps to name but a few. Unfortunately, I am still waiting for him to find the spinach, mangoes, and tomatoes that grace the supermarket aisle, as for some reason, he takes less interest in these products. Strange eh?
He became a hairy author
In 2019, Munch wrote a book with his own four paws. Well maybe I helped a little. What You See When You Can’t See looked at what life is like being blind and how Guide Dogs transform lives in magical ways. With some honest and funny tales of my life pre and post Munch, I wanted to help people have insight into a world that is very different than a sighted person’s life. With Munch being the main star of the show, no tale is left untold. He has graced television shows, been interviewed on radio stations and numerous magazines yet has kept his paws placed firmly on the ground.
He became bilingual
Our little Minster (his official Guide Dog name) Munch, has a Canadian Poodle father and an English Labrador mother and was born in England. Moving to this funny little country, Wales must have been a cultural shock but he has taking it all in his stride. Our strong accents and complex language is not for the faint-hearted , but Munch has picked up our language really well. Working predominantly in Welsh speaking schools , he has learnt instructions such as stairs, door, left, right etc with surprising ease and can follow commands in either language. He has also become a bit of a Welsh rugby fan, which is a bonus for him when the whole family are passionately shouting at the TV when we are playing rugby. If you can’t beat them, join them.
He is my Zen in my Zena
Munch joins me everyday in my meditation practice. Whether I am on my meditation cushion or in my bed, Munch is always by my side listening to tranquil music as he enters his own portal of paradise. If we fit in a sneaky meditation during our lunch hour at work, Munch happily snoozes on top of my feet and radiates the most Zen energy eve. He brings the Zen when I am too Zenaish, and reminds me to breathe. Centre and just be zen
Being the odd one out is always a privilege
Munch stands out from the crowd in so many unique ways. From being called an ‘odd looking Guide Dog’ too many times to remember, to attracting all the right questions about Guide Dogs, Munch never fails to show up and is always eager to help. Breaking the norms of traditional looking Guide Dogs is one of Munch’s strengths and highlights that judging on looks alone will never bring you truth. Being the odd one out makes you shine the brightest and always will.
Munch is the strength and light to many
Munch has an eternal healing energy that seems to never depleat. From lovingly sitting with sobbing clients, to being drawn to the lonely in life to make them feel connected, he is always searching out a heart to heal with his paws, kisses, and his presence. When my mother (who was his greatest fan) passed away nearly two years ago, he cried at her funeral and still lays peacefully on top of her grave when we visit. His unconditional love is eternal to every soul he has ever met.
He is always ready to help
Not only does he work with me five days a week in schools, he is always willing to give up his weekends to do his bit for his fellow Guide Dogs. Being worshipped by the public is an added bonus, obviously, but he never tires of showcasing how life changing being a Guide Dog is. Even on the eve of his birthday, he put his best paw forward and took part in some fundraising.
Wishing you a very Happy 9th Birthday Munch filled with fun, love and some tasty treats . ❤️