Saylor, my hero

Saylor entered my life during a time of physical and emotional turmoil. He was two years old and judging by his limp, scars and inability to “speak,” he had it really tough before. Yet from the moment we met, he was nothing by happy and trusting towards me.

In the first few weeks we had together, he was my strength as I recovered from surgery and my inspiration to not give up on life. See, I was in a really bad relationship with a person who made me feel worthless. To say that I felt alone and lost is a gross understatement. In retrospect, there were many things I could have done differently to make life better, but I didn’t do those things. What I did do is start talking to this sweet new creature who shared my home.

I would talk to Saylor when went on walks or when we sat in the backyard and watched squirrels play in the trees. I’d talk to him on the drive to work (I was lucky to work at a dog friendly office then) or when watching TV. Since he’s a dog, he didn’t talk back, at least not in words. But he did communicate.

He knew when to keep eye contact and when to nudge me with his nose for a snuggle. He walked away when he knew I needed to be alone and he gave me kisses when I cried. He’d lean against me when I needed comfort. Most of all, he reacted to my rants with sighs, glances or by closing his eyes at just the right moment to make me say, “You’re right. This is what I should do.” Basically, he listened and he did it well. And isn’t listening half of coaching?

Like I said above, I’m not completely crazy. I know that Saylor didn’t comprehend everything I was saying and he didn’t have measured reactions that seemed so appropriate at the time. As a dog, what he does do is sense emotions and react instinctively. Which is so much better than having a “measured reaction,” isn’t it?

It was Saylor’s support and unconditional love for me that got me through those tough times. If a creature as wonderful as Saylor chose to love me, surely I’m worth something, right? Slowly, but surely, my self confidence grew back, with Saylor as my rock.

And his confidence grew, too. Everyone who met him fell in love just like I did. Eventually he gained back his voice, but he now saves his woofs for when we’re in real peril — like when he chases chipmunks.

Saylor has inspired me in countless ways and he does his bit to inspire others and help other dogs too. He’s the hero of a children’s book, Saylor’s Tale, the aim of which is to teach kids about responsibilities of having a dog. If we all know a bit more, maybe we can lower the number of dogs that need rescuing in the first place?

Seven years later, Saylor and I are still two peas in a pod. We’re just a girl and a dog, happy together, forever and ever.

Update: it’s February 27, 2025 and we’re still just girl and dog, although Saylor has Cushings and dementia, and his sight isn’t great. That is to say, he’s still perfect and the best dog.