Jack’s tale…by Abbie Broad.
(Guest Blog for Nathan’s Paw Trails Ltd)
A Life That Looked Perfect From the Outside
In 2007 I was living in Southampton. Away from my friends and family, in a bad marriage, miserable and depressed. It’s no secret that I was desperately unhappy with the choices I had made and at that moment in time I was paying the price. From the outside it would appear I had it all. The biggest house on the street. Two beautiful daughters and no money worries. We were all fit and healthy and I had a comfortable life. From the outside my life appeared idyllic.
Counselling, Progress… and an Unexpected Trigger
By 2007 I had been seeing a counsellor for around 3 years and had started to make progress. Looking back, I believe it was this ‘progress’ that triggered many of the events that followed. One of which was Jack.
Feeling that I was emotionally pulling away from our marriage in a desperate attempt to claw me back in, my then husband suggested we get a dog.
Meeting Jack for the First Time
But in a moment of weakness, I agreed to go and visit a breeder that had just advertised a litter of chocolate brown labs. Still apprehensive and not realising what I was letting myself in for, we arrived at the breeder’s house to be greeted by a rather dodgy-looking bloke…
Jack was the only boy. Named after “Jack Daniels.” My heart skipped. Jack was my grandfather’s name.
I scooped him up — and that was it.
Bringing Jack Home: A Christmas to Remember
We agreed to collect him on 18th December — a week before Christmas.
I had 23 people for dinner that year.
What I mostly remember?
Being on my hands and knees at 5am on Christmas morning scrubbing the dog crate thinking:
“I cannot believe I agreed to this.”
Becoming a Dog Owner: All-In, Even When Afraid
Despite my reservations (many of them!), I stepped up to the challenge.
I went into “panic mode”: gather information, ask questions, read, plan, power through.
And that’s what I did. I devoted myself to Jack.
People would comment on how well-behaved he was. My answer always:
“I didn’t fuss over him too much — he got treated like a dog, not a toy, and it worked.”
Mindfulness, Self-Discovery & Parallel Journeys
At the same time, my self-discovery journey was beginning.
My marriage was failing.
Counselling helped me look inward, regain control, and make better decisions.
Mindfulness played a huge part — visualisation techniques, calming responses, practising noticing the good and letting go of the rest.
I began to see how my own practice mirrored the strategies I used with Jack:
- reinforcing the good
- projecting calm energy
- responding rather than reacting
Mindful Walks: A Shared Practice
As Jack sniffed, explored, and experienced the world with his senses, I learned to do the same.
These long mindful walks were some of the happiest times of my life.
I was fitter physically then — and now much stronger mentally.
The Joys and Realities of Dog Ownership
I’m not suggesting mindfulness = “go out and buy a puppy.”
Absolutely not.
Dogs — especially puppies — are:
- hard work
- emotionally demanding
- financially costly
- a long-term responsibility
But they also bring joy. Certainty. Grounding.
Jack was that anchor for me.
Lockdown, Routines & the Gift of Time
Lockdown was heaven for Jack.
More time with us.
Less pressure for me to juggle his needs around appointments.
If you have a dog or puppy, you know how important daily exercise is — thank goodness for dog walkers.
Local firms like Nathan’s Paw Trails are lifesavers for those who can’t always be there.
Saying Goodbye: Love, Strength & Letting Go
Eventually, Jack’s body began to fail him.
He couldn’t climb steps.
He was falling, struggling, unable to eat standing up.
I booked the appointment calmly, purposefully.
We spent the weekend giving him a parade of visitors — socially distanced — all coming to say goodbye.
On Monday, Dave and I lifted him into the car.
Within the hour, our boy was gone.
Processing Grief Through an Anchor of Memory
I’ve processed many emotions since that day.
His memory is still my anchor.
I still walk mindfully each day — only now, it’s with him in my heart instead of beside me.
Top Tips for Mindful Dog Walking
Mindful walking is powerful — for both you and your dog.
Here’s how to get started:
- Mix Up Your Walking Routes
Dogs love variety. So do we. Engage your senses the way your dog does.
- Slow Down When You Can
If your dog is safe off-lead and responsive, try a slower pace. Use subtle cues rather than shouting.
- Come Back to the Moment
Notice your steps, breathing, surroundings. Let busy thoughts float through.
- Avoid Your Phone
Give yourself permission to unplug for the length of the walk.
- Practice Calm Leadership
Dogs (and minds) benefit from calm, consistent guidance.
About the Author
Abbie Broad, Jacks Place Dog Boarding For Seniors
