Tyson’s life changed when he adopted Timber, a grey and white Siberian Husky. It was his first dog.
“I knew that a dog companion can be an emotional support animal,” said Tyson from the Samson Cree Nation in Alberta, Canada. “Timber proved me right. He keeps me happy, and I’ve stopped sinking into depression especially now with the pandemic’s-imposed isolation.”
At three years of age, this furry companion weighs 80 pounds, is still growing and is solid muscle. His eyes are mystical-glacier blue. His thick five-inch fur comes out like porcupine quills, everywhere. The fur permeates fabric, rugs, clothes, furniture and creates super size dust bunnies. The breed is famous for pulling dog sleds long distances which Timber does not; but he loves his long distance runs with his best buddy, Tyson.
“We run three miles a day and in the first three months I lost 40 pounds,” said Tyson. “Runs clear my mind and my dog’s happy-go-lucky nature is joy-filled. He’s taught me patience, how to love deeply and commitment. Patience is now employed in all aspects of my life. I’ve learned that if something irritates me, it no longer means it is wrong or out of control.”
Tyson is a First Nation’s drummer, singer and traditional leather crafter who performs and sells regalia belts at traditional Powwows. Native American heritage celebrations feature singing, crafts, traditional foods, clothing, games, and dance. He and his dog are bilingual and speak Cree and English with an amazing twist.
“One day, I was practicing Sun Dance songs and Timber began howling,” said Tyson. “I laughed at him and he looked deeply hurt. His look indicated that he felt disrespected. So, I looked into his eyes, asked him to help me sing and began. He understood and began howling with the rhythm. It was amazing. He thinks he is part of our clan and we make a great duet, and he gets excited when he sees people dancing to his singing.
I put our paw-formance on TikTok and it blew up with comments. People wrote that our video ‘made my day’, ‘I watched it 100 times because it put a smile on my face and in my heart’, ‘you should enter singing competitions’ etc.. My therapy dog is good medicine and an amazing healer. He’s lifted my anxiety and puts a smile on everyone’s faces.
There is nothing like communication and love between species. When I first adopted him, I was secretly going through depression. I did not tell anyone because I was too ashamed. I am grateful for this healing four-legged friend for lifting my loneliness and transforming it into happiness. He also keeps me emotionally and mentally on the straight and narrow. He’s constantly proving the healing capabilities of animals and that they are indeed ‘good medicine’.”
Timber is not perfect. He has an ongoing fight of wills with Tyson. At night, the dog constantly begs, pouts and gives Tyson kisses to be allowed to sleep on his best friend’s comfy bed. The dog has a brand new bed on the floor, but he keeps persisting to no avail.
“I found that when he slept with me, I was waking up with ever present shedding Husky fur in my mouth,” laughs Tyson. “So even though I insist ‘No’ at night, in the morning I awake to discover that my dog has ever so quietly and carefully snuck onto the bed and is snoring beside me. His favorite things to do are singing, stealing room on my bed, running, and eating human grade beef jerky.”
