Brin has been a busy boy over these past few years.
Slowly, many things have changed for him and he has certainly relaxed from the ever vigilant soldier that roamed the local forest and side streets near my home. He is well known around here for his rather loud bark and so many people love him and pop out of their homes to say hello.
Not to say that I don’t still have my ‘Mary Poppins’ moments when an unsuspecting Husky or Lab pads around the corner…but Brin is certainly more controllable and I still have my fingers intact.
Having been awarded many accolades for his time in Afghanistan, and constant demands for documentaries, life was now beginning to settle down for all of us and this was something I was truly grateful for.
Of course, it is amazing to care for a dog who is loved the world over but part of me just wanted him to be Brin.
Our Brin.
Walks in the forest, sitting on the beach or just lazing on the sofa were now becoming the routine and he still has aversion to change.
New places still cause him stress and this can last for days resulting in bloodshot eyes and exhaustion. This will never change and his travels are to familiar places and daily. He has never been down a High street or anywhere noisy or crowded and still, when in a room, he will place himself facing the door.
There are times I look at him and I am still overwhelmed by his journey. This brave dog who walked miles between patrol bases in Helmand Province, each and every day…but somehow survived.
Today, as he lays in the sun, never far from my side, I feel an old soul has touched my life and I am so proud of the way he makes so many people happy.
Brin is always checking where I am.
Always by my side x
brin - a dog from afghanistan 