On Dogs
Reflections on Companionship, Love, and Family
*****************************************
About this project
-
What is this project;
-
To whom does it connect;
-
Why does it matter—and why now?
What you’re about to read is an essay reflecting on my relationship with my dog, along with interviews with friends and family members about their experiences with their own dogs. I’ve always been of the mind that everyone is a dog person. Save for the select few with allergies, nearly everyone has a place in their heart for a dog—and dogs, an even bigger place in theirs for humans. The following is an excerpt from the reflective piece:
About three months ago, we had to put my dog—Chudley—to rest after seventeen years. I’ve taken comfort in reflecting on our relationship and his life. It’s something I wish I had done more frequently while he was still here, but alas. Such is life.
It’s made me appreciate him, of course, but it’s also sparked a keen and newfound interest in the value that dogs play in all of our lives. Heck, just think about it: they are people who we never have verbal communication with, but affect our lives in immeasurable ways. For some, they become part of a family. They offer companionship and company. They offer comfort to people who want unconditional love and interaction.
To me, Chudley was all of those things—and more. Yet reminiscing is quite the process. It’s both emotional and cathartic. And difficult, too. When someone is so embedded within your life for so long, perfectly articulating what those years (and moments) meant to you can be challenging. “Words fail,” as they say in Dear Evan Hansen.
But, at risk of not quite capturing the fullness of the relationship, I’d like to speak to a cherished moments. Some things that come to mind about my brother’s life. A life well-lived—full and complete with great loves and endeavors.
So, in that sense, the purpose of this project is twofold: first, to reflect on our lives together—essentially a commemorative piece of and for him; and second, more generally, to explore the purpose of dogs in all of our lives. I think there is something uniquely special about them, and I’d like to document it.
To what conversation does this project add? I think most folks tend to passively state (or think about) how much they love their dogs. Perhaps it’s self-evident. You don’t need a reminder. But in losing my own, I’ve realized the value in thinking deeply and out loud about my relationship with him. I’ve come to find that intentionally and thoughtfully reflecting is, well, really important. My aim is to inspire that sort of robust discussion, and hope to have my site serve as your own personal springboard.
***
About me
Hi! I'm Nick Tomaino, a senior at the University of Michigan studying public policy, with a minor in writing.
Have any questions? Want to get in contact?
Reach me at: ntomaino@umich.edu.
Thanks, and happy reading!
