How It All Began.
Lochaber Dog Services: A Journey of Healing and Human-Canine Connection
Lochaber Dog Services owes its existence to the profound bond I share with my faithful companion, Nev—a spirited bearded collie.
In my pre-teen years, I had a dog named Ziggy. Whenever life got tough, Ziggy was my confidant—I found it easier to talk to him during those difficult times. When he passed away, I made a promise to myself: I’d find a new companion when I was older.
I stumbled upon a picture of the perfect dog in a newspaper and kept the clipping in my notebook. Over the years, I’d rediscover that image and wonder if now was the right time. It wasn’t until my son turned ten that our home life seemed settled enough for me to seriously consider getting a dog. I searched for a breed that resembled the dog from that old newspaper clipping and discovered the Bearded Collie. Excitedly, I put myself on the waiting list of a Scottish breeder who had just one pup left. And that’s how Nev entered our lives—we were about to become Guardian and Companion.
Unfortunately, it wasnt long after this that I began to grapple with a bout of depression, a struggle that had haunted me since those adolescent days. The weight of it left me signed off from work, my medication dosage increased, and my days stretched out before me without an opportunity to swim upward and escape the murky depths of my emotional turmoil. Yet, despite the unwavering support from the local mental health team and my family, I felt lost, adrift in a sea of despair.
But Nev wouldnt let me flounder! She made it clear she needed walks, training, guardianship, and routine. Strangely, prioritizing her needs allowed me to recognize that these very same routines—eating, exercising, spending time outdoors, and resting—were essential for my own well-being. The fog of depression began to lift, revealing a path forward.
In addition to teaching Nev cue words and behaviors, I found solace in our conversations. Unlike the challenges I faced when talking to people, sharing my feelings and thoughts with Nev felt liberating. It was akin to sitting in a psychiatrist’s chair, minus the judgment and opinions.
And so, our journey began. Inspired by the healing power of our bond, I realised that if it could bring relief to me, it might also serve as a lifeline for others. Lochaber Dog Services emerged from the realisation that where compassion, routine, and connection intertwine, I might offer hope to dogs and humans navigating their own emotional storms.
