Summer. My favorite time of the year. Warm days, abundant sunshine, long hours of daylight. Time feels more leisurely in the summer than at other times of the year. So much is associated with the season. Outdoor barbecues, talking to neighbors, lingering around a campfire. Those lazy, hazy days of summer. Watermelon and bug bites. Summer is also associated with what we call the “dog days”.
The dog days of summer. Canis Major, the constellation most resembling the shape of a dog is easily seen during the summer. Sirius, also called the Dog Star is at its brightest point in this constellation. This summer, I’m reminded that it’s been a year since I adopted a young border collie. She is loving, affectionate, playful, and always present. It seems like a good time to muse about the meaning of the dog in our lives.
The qualities that dogs bring to our lives are wholly unique to the canine species. Dogs have been associated with compassion, unconditional love, fidelity, and companionship. Because of their keen senses, humans rely on them for a sense of direction. In this way, they are frequently pictured alongside huntresses and healers sniffing out food as well as the way home. As sentient beings, dogs serve as psychopomps - accompanying and guiding us through difficult times. Dogs have been portrayed as guards of the underworld, guiding souls to the next life, from physical life to spiritual life. There are many images in film and television portraying dogs as human companions and guides. Lassie and Benji come quickly to mind. It’s not hard to conjure an image of a dog tending to a person in a state of distress, loneliness, or melancholia. The dog’s head in a person’s lap looking up with a sympathetic look in his eyes provides compassion and comfort to a suffering person. His gentle presence provides solace.
The benefits of service dogs and therapy dogs cannot be overstated. They are always ready to assist, serve and protect.
Recognizing the dog part of our psyche gives us access to attitudes and energies otherwise unavailable. Developing these qualities in ourselves can provide a stronger sense of security in the world as well as greater confidence navigating the dark times of life.
Being in touch with our canine nature, gives us access to an instinctual knowing. It leads us toward nourishment when we’re in need of psychological food. It gives us a sense of direction to a place we call home. It reminds us that perseverance pays off. Think of St. Bernard’s and huskies traversing miles of snow-covered land to bring food or medicine to those in need. Think of German shepherds on a search and rescue mission.
When a dog comes into your life – in the physical realm or the dream world – take note of what you may need from her. Dogs have been bred to sense and respond to human need. Because of this, they show up when we need them. Get curious about what they may be offering. Consider taking in what they have for you. There’s a reason they’re called “man’s (woman’s) best friend.”.
Including a dog – symbolically - into one’s life won’t make life easy, but it will make it easier.