It had been just over a year that I had acquired my brain injury. We were nearing Thanksgiving, and although I was thankful to be with family and have their support, I was still grieving the loss of myself. I would spend most days by myself, drowning in my thoughts, until my daughter came home from school, my husband came from work or a family member would call to check on me. Most days were lonely and life pretty much had gone on for everyone else.

How I wished I didn’t feel so alone…the house so quiet, no one available to take a walk with or talk to with. I felt when I spoke to my loved ones, they didn’t quite understand what I was going through, although they did their best to try. I’d attempt doing things like listening to music or walking by myself to keep myself occupied, however, it still didn’t seem enough.

Enter my mother-in-law and her friend…she asked to meet up to as she wanted to show me something two nights before Thanksgiving. Arrgh! I’m tired, it’s cold, it’s last minute. I apparently didn’t do as well with spontaneity anymore. However, I agreed. My mother in law tells me her friend can not keep a puppy she was given as there are no pets allowed at her apartment. “Are you interested?”, she asks. “Of course!!!” I was still in shock that we were actually getting a dog as this was something I had been wanting for some time and thought was a long ways off from ever happening.

With excitement over my new furry bundle of joy, I went home and showed my husband, who knew what was going on the entire time. This was the best gift ever! I was nervous as I had dogs in the past, but never a puppy. I think all I did for the next several nights was just hover over that little pup like a mother hen. My husband, daughter and I tossed some names around and happily decided on, Bailey.

Although Bailey slept a good portion of time during her puppy stage, as did I from fatigue, my new furry best friend truly kept me company, something I had been missing for the past year and a half. Bailey went pretty much everywhere with me that she was allowed. I found comfort in knowing I wouldn’t be spending most days by myself anymore. I began to look up info on the internet on some basic training for her. Each day, Bailey and I would work on reinforcing good behaviour and habits, socializing her to the outside world of other people and dogs. She would give me some motivation to get moving by going for a walk, getting outside, and not being so sedentary.

In doing this, I found great reward in training her with a new tricks like sit, stay, let’s go. I found that my little companion began to grow by leaps and bounds into this beautiful creature that gave back so much happiness, laughter, accomplishment and companionship. She allows me to practice skills of patience and implement some routine and structure in my life as she has routine needs.

Bailey really has given me more ability to focus on something positive rather than on negative thoughts. Although there are still challenges I have from my brain injury, I do find solace and feel my anxiousness come down a little when Bailey puts her head in my lap, or nuzzles me and gives me this look, as if to say, “I’m here, it’s going to be ok…especially if you pet me.” I found that when she is with me outside of home, I feel more comfortable in engaging in conversation with random people in random situations without it feeling forced or pressured. Bailey’s presence gives me some peace, hope and I feel blessed with the gift of a wonderful canine companion.