Love Me, Love my ‘Inner’ Dog

Imagining my traits re-packaged in an animal

When I originally wrote this piece, I was supposed to be answering the question “What is your spirit animal?” But because I didn’t do my research to find out about the meanings behind spirit animals, the resultant piece fell wide of the mark.

But that doesn’t make my musings on the topic irrelevant, far from it, they simply went down a different path where I made actual correlations between a dog’s temperament and my own personality.

I didn’t just pick dog as the reflection of myself, I went further and chose a specific breed of dog.

I chose an English springer spaniel : these dogs I know well because, in my family, we have owned at least ten. For my sixteenth birthday I was given a black and white springer spaniel for my pet and companion, I named her Dinah and we were friends for life (hers unfortunately only spanned fourteen years, but she’s waiting for me over the rainbow bridge).

A silky-coated, friendly, hard working English Springer Spaniel best represents me, let me slip into dog form to describe myself. Keen to make friends, I would trot about, wagging and receptive, sniffing and socialising with other dogs I meet. There is a little deference in my manner, I’m not proud or stand off-ish like a Malamute, I won’t barge in with lots of attitude and take charge like a bossy Dachshund. My nature is not defensive or aggressive like a Rhodesian Ridgeback or a Doberman Pinscher and I’m easygoing, not highly strung like a Dalmatian.

I would work hard, with my nose down, hunting for what is necessary to get the job done, but my tail is always wagging, powered by a people-pleasing attitude. I’m a team player, like a Beagle, but I like my own path rather than running with a pack. Although I am keen, I don’t fizz with constant energy like a Jack Russell but I love to get stuck into work I enjoy, embracing inherent hardships such as getting muddy or wet!

Confronted by another dog who pulls rank on me I’m likely to surrender, my Spaniel body language being to roll on my back to show the vulnerability of my speckled tummy, but don’t expect me to always be submissive. I will learn from experience, noting creatures who are not friendly to give them a wide berth. Their aggressive behaviour won’t have tamed me, rather it makes me wary at best, distrustful at worst. Backed right into a corner, I will show displeasure by snarling and barking before I resort to a bite.

I’d have a compact body and curls in my fur, so to some I’m attractive, but not scene-stealing beauty like a Golden Retriever or Afghan Hound. I’m playful but can be quiet, friendly yet happy with my own company. I enjoy affection and fuss and will feel devotion to those who’ve earned my love & loyalty.

I’d be most at home in the countryside and places water — such as the woods or the beach, but I can find a happy niche in an urban environment. My requirements are simple, some stability and a comfy, cosy bed. Food? Yes please, but nothing too fancy.

My secret weapon would be my eyes — which are beautiful and can be very persuasive. You’ll feed me your last chip, have me sitting beside you on the sofa for cuddles, or let me drag you out for a walk even when you’ve only just come home from work.

My animal is an English Springer Spaniel, and I’m happy with that.

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