Working at home alone, I'd begun to feel very lonesome. I was spending way too much time on my own – which isn't good for someone who lives with anxiety.
I knew something was missing in my life; I had too much space and struggled to feel relaxed. I longed for someone to cuddle with and interact with, so my life completely changed when I got my dog, Chilli.
I knew he was the one for me from the moment we met. I say that he found me by divine intervention. I went to visit his breeder, who let the five puppies run free in her living room.
© Mark WeeksChilli made a beeline straight for me. I was kneeling on the floor, and he put his tiny little paws on my knees and looked at me. We’ve been together ever since.
Chilli’s loving character changed everything for me, and I later decided I wanted him to have a doggy companion. I tried to find the right partner for him for many years without any luck. And then one day Sukhi appeared and it was love at first sight between her and Chilli.
MORE DOGS: MS has made my life hard – but my assistance dog makes my world better
I believe Sukhi was sent to me by my late father. A few weeks after my dad passed away, I suddenly got an urge to check a dog rehoming website I hadn’t looked at for years.
I typed in the search terms and there she was. I thought it was impossible that such a lovely dog was being rehomed. I immediately got in touch and the rest is history. She joined the family in 2021.
Once Sukhi came into our lives, I saw a huge change in our family dynamic. She brought a nourishing, loving feminine energy into our home, bonding us together more and making the three of us a harmonious unit.
Why do pets make us so happy?
Relationship expert Anna Williamson explains that pets are pivotal when it comes to our happiness.
"Pets are uncompromising and can give an enormous source of comfort," she says. “In fact, pets are proven to be incredibly beneficial for reducing anxiety and low mood.”
I found both my dogs a huge relief when it comes to anxiety. Chilli and Sukhi really help me, each in their own way.
Chilli has anxiety too, so he needs me to support him when we go out and about.
This forces me to look at my own state of being and encourages me to be more relaxed in order to help him.
Sukhi on the other hand is totally chilled by nature. She continuously reminds me that I can relax, breathe deeply and be present.
They also keep me on my toes. No matter how I feel, I have to pull myself together to walk them, feed them, groom them and generally take care of them. This is a real blessing.
DISCOVER: I tried puppy yoga for the first time to see if it made me happier
Having partners in crime who always wants to be with you, wake by your side, go to bed with you, stare lovingly at you and welcome you home as though you’ve been gone for ages is the biggest happiness boost.
Being with my dogs is like having lovebugs shower me with joy, fun and gratitude 24/7.
We do everything together. Dogs live in their hearts, they simply delight in being alive and spending time with their family. My two shower me with unconditional love and acceptance. It is impossible to be sad or grumpy for long with them around. They make my heart smile and overflow with love.
I even have an Instagram account dedicated to my two dogs, Chilliwawa. I feel very privileged to be working with Chilli and Sukhi, the three of us spending most of the day together, every day.
A lot of my work is still online but I get to do it in their company. And when we shoot content, we have a real blast together.
The feeling of being a dog owner is a real contrast to the long lonesome days I used to spend in front of a computer or at my desk. Now I smile a lot, from my heart, I feel loved, warm and complete.
Follow Yasmin on Instagram for more adorable chihuahua content.
