Emily Odom
Professor Humpty Dumpty
English 101
24 September 2023
Lessons from Barkley
When I first think of someone I look up to or who teaches me valuable lessons, I think of my parents. For example, they taught me to always work hard, be respectful, and never stop fighting for what I believe in. However, the more I think about it, I would say my dog teaches me lessons too. My dog is an English cream golden retriever named Barkley. He has a cream-white, thick coat that reminds me of a fuzzy blanket, and he is sweet, cute, and loving. His favorite activities are playing in the water and chasing lizards in the backyard. We received Barkley when I was in tenth grade and he was only eight months old.
Year One: My family and I drove over an hour to pick up Barkley. I loved him from the first time I held him. He weighed less than ten pounds and stayed calm for the long drive home. For the next year, the two of us forged a bond like no other. We learned about each other’s funny quirks, attitudes, and hobbies. And Barkley grew a lot that year. He went from fitting in my arms to a big, seventy-pound dog. Watching him grow taught me that life goes by fast, and we need to enjoy it before it is too far gone. Also, his goofy personality taught me not to take life so seriously. He showed me that having fun helped clear my mind and even reduce stress. Barkley taught me that it is important to enjoy life and have a good time doing it.
Year Two: As Barkley turned two years old, I quickly learned that his favorite thing is being outdoors. Most of the time, this includes going for walks, chasing lizards, playing in the water sprinkler, getting muddy, and also just relaxing in the sun. Before Barkley, I already loved the outdoors, but he helped me enjoy it in a different light and go on adventures more often. I always went on hikes just for the view, but he taught me to hike for the adventure and experience. Because of this, very early on in his life, our favorite activity together was being outdoors. Now, every time I get the chance, we go on a one-mile trail near my house that follows the bends of a creek so we can play in the water. Before Barkley, this would not have been my favorite hike because there is no view, but now it is one of my favorite activities to do.
While Barkley loves the outdoors and playing in the sprinkler, his biggest fear is swimming in the water. For the first two years of his life, my family and I tried to get him to swim, but he refused. Over those years, he slowly got closer to swimming. I stand in the water in front of him and then hold his favorite toy just out of his reach. Finally, while we were on a camping trip at the lake, he began swimming in the water. Although it was not graceful and he got me completely soaked, he still made me so proud because I knew how scared he was to do it. Thinking back on that moment, even though it took him so long to do it, he never stopped trying. It was a great example to me of never being scared to overcome a fear in life.
Year Three: After graduating high school, there was a lot in my life to look back on. As I did, I was reminded how easily and quickly Barkley moves on from things. I think about how fast he goes back to digging up the yard after he just got in trouble for doing it. Also, I am reminded of how he likes to “counter surf” and steal our dinner when we have just told him to get down. On the other side of that, if I accidentally step on his foot, seconds later he forgets and wants me to pet him. Either way, Barkley has shown me that it is important to forgive and move on from past mistakes.
Year Four: As he just turned four years old earlier this year, I realized that one thing remained the same: his unconditional love and loyalty. Barkley’s love for my family and me is so much greater than I expected. His love and loyalty are bigger than any human could ever give. I always knew that no matter what happened, he would be there and never judge. I believe that these lessons of love, loyalty, and trust are the most valuable of all. While people show these actions to others all the time, there is something different about a pet, who cannot speak with words, being able to exhibit this.
Now, as I start my college career, Barkley taught me one final lesson: be on time. Barkley is always the first to remind me when breakfast and dinner are upon us. While this is a silly lesson, I must remember that being on time is essential for great success. This includes not being late for class, a job interview, or a business meeting. Over these past four years with Barkley, I have learned so many important lessons to be successful in life and for myself. Even though I will probably not be living at home with him for the rest of his life, I believe that I will have many more lessons to learn from him. As I think back on the lessons I have already learned, I realize that having a family pet is one of the best things to experience, and I am forever grateful.