This is a touching and warm photo taken by a very talented and dog-loving artist from Canada. It has been liked by countless netizens across the internet like the wind. On the first working day after the long weekend of Canada Day, its likes have reached an astonishing 8 million.
Why has this photographic work resonated with a wide audience and sparked widespread sharing? There must be a deep common emotion among the people. In this article, after reading Robert Hardman's "Our Queen - Elizabeth II," I will discuss the deep feelings behind this photo in relation to the Commonwealth. I will also share a story from a therapy dog training base located between the blue lakes and winding mountains of British Columbia, Canada.
Dogs are humanity's best friends, professional psychological healers, and companions. This photographic work has a powerful penetrating love that allows people to replicate the way humans and dogs interact lovingly in their hearts! This photo has been shared countless times, as kind and peace-loving people take action to honor the fallen heroes and service dogs. Because they deserve more than just one day of commemoration each year, so we do not forget: every day of freedom and peaceful life we have is a result of their sacrifice and dedication.
A person's way of treating dogs reveals his heart. At the beginning of the main text, I would like to pay tribute to all animal protectors!
The history of the Commonwealth:
It is well known that Canada is a staunch member of the Commonwealth. For centuries, the British Empire expanded its territory, establishing colonies around the world. From India to Canada, these lands brought prosperity and influence to Britain. However, over time, these colonies gradually sought independence and formed the modern Commonwealth in the early 20th century. Canada, as a mainstay of the Commonwealth, has written a profound history intertwined with the British royal family alongside other member countries.
Canada's historical wars in the Commonwealth
In the bonds of the Commonwealth, Canada participated in many historic wars alongside other member countries. In World War I, the Canadian army bravely entered the battlefield, achieving remarkable military accomplishments. On the war-torn European front, Canadian soldiers closely collaborated with Commonwealth allies to defend freedom and justice. In World War II, Canada once again took on responsibility, traveling to the Asia-Pacific region to safeguard world peace alongside Commonwealth forces.
These wars not only tightened Canada's ties with the Commonwealth but also left a series of heroic footprints in the long river of history.
The Queen and Canada
The Queen of England is not just a symbolic monarch; she has deep roots in Canada. Her presence serves as a bond that intricately connects Canada's history with that of the Commonwealth. Her greetings and care have deepened the Canadian people's sense of identity with the Commonwealth. In the book "Our Queen," there is a passage that states: The second Monday in March (Commonwealth Day) is as fixed in the Queen's diary as the second Sunday in November, which is "Remembrance Day."
At every commemoration event on Canada Day, the Queen's address is a touching solo, paying the highest tribute to the fallen heroes. Her deep care for Canada has become an indelible memory in the hearts of Canadians. For Canadians who have lost the Queen, this year's commemoration has special emotions, as people remember the fallen soldiers while also recalling the sense of national stability and unity that the Queen brought.
Veterans and service dogs
In the Greater Vancouver area, a story about a group of veterans and therapy dogs is being widely shared through the Wounded Warriors website.
Melody, a golden retriever, is the protagonist of this story. She is not just a pet but a companion in the life of veteran Kirk.
Melody is three years old this year and has been receiving training at the training base since she was two, under the guidance of the base director, David. David is a dog trainer with 25 years of experience; he understands the personality of every dog at the base and helps veterans find service dogs that match them.
Emotions have colors, and it is no longer a literary metaphor. If fear has a color, it must be black. Kirk is a retired officer who returned from the battlefield in Afghanistan with severe PTSD symptoms. His emotions have been filled with depression and fear, with death and pain occupying his mind, becoming two persistent challenges. Whenever he falls into a low mood and cries inexplicably, Melody will nuzzle into his arms, gazing at him with her affectionate eyes and licking away the tears on his face, providing Kirk with great comfort. To help Kirk regain his strength, David arranged for Kirk to personally train Melody. Every morning, Melody wakes Kirk up to greet the new day together. They spread their wings in the morning light, walking and running together. Melody is Kirk's soul mate and running partner; they have become vital forces in each other's lives, enjoying the joy of physical freedom and the liberation of the spirit.
"What you are, what you inherit." Everyone has a deep desire in their hearts to connect with each other's shared beliefs, values, emotions, and spirits. The veteran service dogs have become living interpretations of the spirit of the Commonwealth. Every moment a therapy dog assists a veteran in completing a task is a warm scene of dedication and love.
Many veterans need well-trained dogs like Melody. Their loving gaze towards their owners and seriousness towards tasks can provide many veterans with practical help in their mental and daily lives. Training assistance dogs requires financial support and donations from caring individuals like you.
May every veteran suffering from PTSD and physical ailments step out of the shadows and regain their beautiful aspirations for the future, moving forward towards the light!
Finally, I express my special gratitude to the veterans and pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II!