LOKI FOREST
Nina Carrington
Water Meadows, Brook Hill
87 x 130 cm
Loki gets super excitable – especially when he is with his favourite humans and dog friends. He expresses himself through being very vocal, and his bottom wiggles away with excitement. He is my shadow and follows me everywhere, a truly loyal companion
Our two dogs (Loki and Neo Ray Raven) have taught my family and I a few things about life, highlighting that it really is about living in the present, to be excited for this moment in time and to be ready to help without looking for anything in return. They have shown us a valuable lesson – that we too can lift someone’s spirit, to be helpful and kind and spread our love. Imagine if we all greeted everybody we met each day, and every daily journey we embarked on as a dog greets us when we come home, with genuine excitement and unconditional love? The world would be transformed in a millisecond.
I am so grateful that I have these two canine spirits in my life, loving us no matter what, their affection and loyal devotion lifting our spirit every day. I love nothing more that cuddling my two boys and no matter what my mood, they have the ability to make me smile and to feel lighter and more loved. They are never too busy for me, always staying present and their loving kindness forever present.
When the world suddenly went into lockdown, our home, family, pets and nature became our world. At that time, we only had Loki and he would always be there for us, sensing who needed attention and spending time with that person. He would sit close, stare straight into their eyes and tell whoever it was that needed to hear the core message that it was going to be okay. I think that Loki – and now also Neo – has the ability to stare into my soul.
Like many of us who struggled in lockdown, I have a close friend who had difficulties with mental health. We would go for socially distanced walks together, bathing in nature and Loki sitting close and comforting her; it seems that he could just sense that my friend was struggling. It was so lovely to witness, as we couldn’t physically hug each other because of the lockdown rules but Loki could give her all the love she needed.
Life is all the colours of the rainbow, and it’s up to us how we choose to experience it and show up each day. I couldn’t be without my dogs; they bring an energy into our home, one which is warm, healing, joyful and lots of fun.
Loki and Nero walk by our side, are devoted to us and together we are family, friends, companions. Their loyalty, devotion and unconditional love is effortless and so let us all learn from your wisdom and mirror dear dogs, learning from all that you show us, Let’s be curious, playful and excited by what’s to come and together we can create a kinder, more heart-centred world.