From the time I was a kid I was scared of dogs, big or small it didn’t matter. My fear of canines bore no bias towards breed or sex. All of them were scary too me and a responsibility both financially and time wise that none of us growing up wanted to deal with, let alone my parents. Knowing these things we instead had two birds: Feathers and Birdy.

I picked the names and yes I was a kid.

My wife and son knew this about me already but it didn’t stop them from hatching their dark plot against me. I should’ve seen that something was awry sooner but by the time I caught on to it was far too late. I started noticing something was up when I would come home from work and after parking my car in the garage and heading to the door, I could hear them cracking up and saying something in garbled tones followed by “that one’s cute!” They could hear the key sliding through the lock, manipulating the various pins needed to unlock it. After opening the door, the once boisterous choir of two was reduced to utter silence as they stared at me with sinister grins.

“How was work daddy?!”

I cocked my head inquisitively at my sons question and my wife‘s silence. I responded in kind, greeted them both with hugs and kisses and asked them what was up with the Animal Planet dog shows they’ve been watching.

“Every time I come home lately, you guys are always watching this dog stuff, what’s going on?” They didn’t say anything, instead, they began tempting me with hot food in the oven. I was hungry and by the time I was finished eating and fighting off the impeding sleep, I forgot to follow up on my question. It was so obvious now looking back at it. They weren’t just watching regular dog stuff either: these shows are designed to help teach you about different breeds, what kind of dog is best for you-all the stuff you do when researching for an upcoming purchase. This went on for a little bit until finally one day when I came home and opened the door I looked down to find Peaches looking up at me wondering who this strange person was in her new home. Wagging her tail with her ears pricked up, she cocked her head and gazed back at me.

“What is this!?” I said

“That is Peaches and she’s our new dog!” My son was so excited that I couldn’t help but be happy for him. I had over the years grown a little warmer to dogs; at least the small ones. My neighbors have dogs and I had grown used to them. I never believed in mistreating animals I just knew that if I didn’t want the responsibility of having one that I shouldn’t do it. It’s not fair to the animal to be owned by someone who doesn’t have the time or energy (or funds) to properly care for them.

As it turns out they had been doing research and went to animal shelter to pick one out once they knew what they were getting into. My wife had taken care of all the proper paperwork and fees and Peaches was now officially a part of the family. The message being that I had better get used to her because they might like the dog more than me.

Good thing Peaches is more than a pet, she’s family member. She’s my friend.

Turns out Peaches might have had a hard life as well. We don’t know much about her past but based off of certain initial behaviors I can tell it wasn’t the best of times for her. But she persevered and now she’s with us. It seems that Peaches understands me without saying a word and that can often be comforting when you have bipolar because you feel that no one gets you and even worse, no one cares. Having someone, anybody who is just willing to listen-not say anything, not judge, just listen-is a blessing. And if it’s a dog that’s by my side when I need it then so be it. That’s the thing I love the most about dogs I guess. When the chips are down come hell or high water that dog will be there for you.

I watched a documentary once called The Science of Dogs in which they talk about how dogs are one of if not the only animal that can read human emotions. By analyzing the left side of our faces, they have learned over time and interaction with humans to be able to “read” what we are feeling. They did a series of experiments where they showed the connection between dog and owner and it was fascinating. It’s on Netflix streaming and I’d advice you check it out if you’re so inclined.

I don’t know what you call it but it works. I can’t imagine not having Peaches around. She’s my bipolar buddy and I can thank her for many a time jumping in my lap to lick my fingers, telling me it’s going to be alright.

I’ll take Peaches over 30 tabs of Risperidone any day.