Dogs teach us Unconditional Love
- Jane Redpath
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
I knew that my trip to Kauai, Hawaii was never going to be about how I had envisaged Hawaii; beaches and surfing. I knew I needed to go, I just didn't know why. What I learned is still unfolding likewise there was one key incident that proved to be my primary Teacher.
I love dogs, all of them; every single one of them. Having grown up with an Old English Sheep Dog called Pippa, the "Dulux dog" I would take her for walks, aged around 7 years, and she would end up taking me for walks! Since then, two King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, Charlie and Benji and most recently Katie, the black Labrador.
I believe in reincarnation and I also believe that our pets may return back to us. Katie, the black labrador is one of my Guides. When she passed I was heartbroken, she wasn't even my dog, more of a family dog. I feel our Souls knew each other well.
And so, my Heart broke when the very breed, Labrador, known for friendly companionship, and yes Unconditional Love behaved in a way that was not familiar to me. Although, I have to say, Katie was a bit more human than most dogs. I remember one time, when I had been away from seeing my Mum and step-Dad longer than usual. Mum and Mike would be in the front of the car, Katie and I on the back seat. She quite literally ignored me to get her point across ~ "you were away too long this time!" Needless to say it didn't last long and we would be cuddling again in no time. When I practised my yoga she would always get excited and think it was a game. I would let her sleep on the bed and get pushed off. Yes I loved her so very much.
And so my heart got kinda broken open on my recent trip to Kauia, the most northern Island of the Hawaii Islands. I will not be mentioning the name of the place I was in as this is not what this blog post is about. It is moreso to express myself, what I experienced and what it taught me; and how it may be illuminating for you too.
The facts: I was returning from my first acai bowl dish; which I had enjoyed greatly and ruminating on how I wanted to eat this kind of dish more often and generally improve my diet. I was just starting to settle into Hawaii. Having only arrived in US, from UK, the week before with 4 days in San Francisco, I was just starting to feel settled again. Looking back at how the following events came about, it may have been the tassels on my top flowing in the wind, because that is what the first dog chased.
What then ensued was literally a chase! Two dogs came out of a residential home and chased me at full speed, biting first at the tassels and then at my trousers; the white/brown terrier type dog biting through my trousers; I knew I had been bitten and coming back for more. I kept running, rightly or wrongly so! into the next residential house, cowered beside a small tree. Once I entered another territory the two dogs retreated back to their territory.
Once I knew they had "disappeared" I swiftly headed back down the road to the campsite I was staying in, top left leg sore, washing it on return, puncture wound and grazing. Fortunately, Hawaii are very strict on dogs they bring in and there are no known cases of Rabies. It didn't stop me getting a bit anxious, mind you. I reported it to the campsite manager, likewise it was only really up to me to follow through with police, I chose to let it go. Likewise, on a future walk, I identified the house and suggested management follow it through. I hope they do.
This road, being the main road and only road, to get my food, and back to the airport, I knew I would have to face my fear, at some point. Some said "you should have stood up to the dog" hindsight is a wonderful thing and, of course, I know. For the next 2 days I decided I wasn't going to go anywhere and had enough food to keep me going for 2.5 days. I set my mind to eat little and I managed; barely hungry. Free coffee in the morning helped. It reminded me that when we set our minds to do something, we can do it.
And then came reflection what it all meant to me. This particular residential street, which I will not name, is known for dogs guarding their territory quite aggressively outside their residences. In some cases, dogs are behind gates. I remember saying to a local on my arrival; it is such a shame the dogs are behind gates; better for All, now I got it!
In particular, it was sad to see the Labs - 3 black and one golden; the black labs behind a gate barking and the golden Lab on the main road guarding its territory which included the road I needed to walk down. I could not believe that I was scared of a golden lab. Likewise, by then, I knew this Island was gifting me with facing my fears; to see this Golden Lab with fear in my eyes and my Heart, a breed I know and love so well. I felt so sad.
I knew I would need to head down the road before my leaving date; and to get food! So I found a "staff" on the beach and headed down the road. A couple of days later, I went back down the road. it was clear on the way out. Phew! On the way back, I met a few intimidating dogs and commanded them to "Go Home". They backed off.
And so, what is the invitation for me; these are the words I wrote just after the event over the next few days. "to unconditionally love those that play out their aggression" likewise to stand tall. I realised there was a behaviour by the dogs on the street cultivated by the owners. I looked at the Golden Lab standing before me, how could a Being, an animal I know and love so well invoke such fear within me. It broke my Heart, it breaks my Heart, that this Golden Lab is playing out the behaviour that is opposing its True Nature, one of Loving Kindness, one of Unconditional Love. I feel it must be like how God seems the human race, misbehaving through their misaligned thoughts, words, actions and behaviour playing out a lesser version. And yet, He continues to Love us, patiently waiting until we come around. I can still see the Golden Lab standing there, in my mind's eye. So different to a Golden Retriever I met in France when I visited Mt Bugarach, France, a few years ago. Sitting there in a total Zen-like state.
As for the dog that bit me, that was learned behaviour, at some level, and its stalwart companion in the chase. I received a few comments thrown about like - put vodka on the wound!!! be masterful stand up to it, yes all good in hindsight. Thanks!
There is a caveat in this story. Only 30 seconds before the dogs attacked I had been ruminating on what I felt to be some predatory behaviour on the Island. On my arrival down "the road", the same guy had warned me, as a solo female traveller, watch your things and watch the men. And so, was I embodying the idea of a predatory energy; did I bring it on with my thoughts. I am still ruminating on this. I believe that sometimes we choose to experience something that will not only teach ourselves; likewise offer teachings to those around us. I hope the others have learned their lessons in this.
I heard a few times how the Islanders like tourism but don't necessarily warm to visitors. Kind of ironic! That the behaviour of the dogs somehow felt representative of how some Islanders feel about visitors. As I envisage my return down this street where sadly I felt the dogs had some sort of mafia-type tendencies ~ I said to myself repeatedly "I see myself masterfully walking down the street with Staff in hand, joining the hi-way and relieved.
I did my evening meditation two nights before I walked back down. Spirit showed me that etheric shutters were brought down so I was safe. I am pretty sure I actually walked past the dog that bit me and it didn't even notice me! Oblivious to my presence.
DOG written backwards is GOD. I al-ways knew I was safe and protected; I just had to feel the fear and do it anyway. I don't feel any differently about DOGS because I love them Unconditionally. I feel the invitation is to be a bit more discerning likewise that's not such a bad thing in these changing times.
