If you follow me on social media, have ever had a conversation with me, or probably even if you’ve just looked at me you can tell that I love dogs. There is something about the simple dumb happiness that a dog exudes that rubs off on people. They embody the simplistic emotional happiness we try so hard to find in material and overly complex ways. Their happiness is derived from their supply of food, space and human interaction, something we as humans also do, however we are too proud to admit that happiness could boil down to something so simple.
Enter Buster, the stick chasing-belly rub demanding-ocean swimming-Yellow Lab that belongs to my landlord who lives in the house next door. Upon arrival seeing that I would not go the year without some furry companionship was the best news I could receive. This year I have made it my mission to step outside the American routine and lifestyle and fully embrace the difference of culture, and there is much to be said about how important this is when one travels outside of their home country. However, whenever I do feel like I need to go back to what I know all I have to do is yell “Buster!” from the front door to see this slobbering lab come barreling down the driveway and make me feel right at home. When I say home I do not mean New York, but rather a state of emotional contentment, where simplicity overrules stress and the worries of life. So while I will continue to spend this year attempting to get the most out of Ireland, I will always leave time to throw the stick in the backyard, even if Buster doesn’t bring it back.
