My Black DogBy Cara Aiken

‘My Black Dog’ came to exist from a story I would like to share with you.

Once upon a time, a long time ago, Winston Churchill coined the phrase ‘Black Dog’ to describe the debilitating bouts of depression he experienced for much of his life.

Twelve years ago, I owned a dog called Yanni. She was my very best friend and confidante. We went everywhere together, she knew all my secrets and dreams, we loved each other unconditionally and to be perfectly honest, she was the only ‘person’ I trusted to remain by my side through thick and thin. She lost her life in front of my very own eyes, at the hands of an unprovoked attack by two other dogs during one of our many pleasurable walks together.

Simultaneously, I too died that day as my whole world came crashing down. ‘Black Dog’ entered my life with great force, and to this day, continues to lurk in the sidelines, jumping out on me when least expected.

Last summer, I happened to stumble across this forlorn looking puppy. I feel incredibly honoured that she ‘chose’ me to become her owner. This was most certainly not a planned purchase, but she gave me absolutely no choice in the matter. I do not k now how or why this happened, but it did.

She has no particular breed, she is one on her own, but I refer to her as a ‘Daisy Doodle’ who has most certainly been sent from heaven.

And this is where it all begins.

Meet Daisy.

The finest breed in the world.

When Black Dog depletes my energy and the ability to leave the safety of my home ...

Daisy is always there looking longingly at her lead, dressed in her pink ugg boots, gently encouraging me to challenge my ob-stacles and to walk her.

Daisy will not allow the weather to interfere with her exercise.

She’ll look pleadingly at me and offer the encouragement I need to brave the harsh elements.

When Black Dog leaves me feeling worn to a frazzle but restless and unsettled ….

Daisy has taught me to put my feet up and take some time out.

When Black Dog is lurking, and I feel as though no one is listening to me ...

Daisy is all ears.

Black dog can give me tunnel vision – I am stuck in a rut with no escape from persistent negative thoughts ...

Daisy has taught me how to think outside of the box.

Black Dog can steal my appetite and take away the enjoyment of a meal.

Daisy has become my perfect dinner date.

Daisy has completely turned my life around.She has brought me so much pleasure. She has filled my life with laughter.

I now understand why Daisy Doodles chose me to become her owner ...

To prove to me that what I was actually lacking in my life was ...

‘My Black Dog.’