As a professional snowboarder, Emil矇 Zynobia spends a lot of time away from home. But her close-knit community in Jackson, WY, keeps her energized for traveling and excited to come home. At the center of that community: Trapper. As a dog mom to Trapper, Emil矇 has learned to cultivate an extended family that cares for her and Trapper, and Trapper has shown her how to support that community with unfiltered love and joy. Watch the video and keep reading to see the loving community Trapper and Emil矇 have fostered together and the lessons Trapper has taught Emil矇 along the way.
Lesson #1: Open Up
With their always-on friendliness, endless curiosity, and undying loyalty, dogs can crack your heart wide open. Emil矇 learned this from Trapper. I didnt have the worlds greatest childhood, she recalls. There were elements of not always getting the attention I craved, and I think it made me a reserved and guarded person. But Emil矇 found a devoted companion in Trapper, who always wants to be by her sideshowing her that attention goes both ways. Whether shes traveling for a job, going on a horse packing trip, or splitboarding in the backcountry, Trapper is always eager to join. On the occasions that she has to leave Trapper behind, its heart wrenching, and the depth of their bond sometimes brings her to tears. Its just me and him, doing life together, Emil矇 says, and that kind of connection is worth opening up for.
Lesson #2: Find Joy in the Small Things
Weve all seen dogs having the time of their lives rolling in the grass or blissing out while getting belly rubs from one of their favorite humans. I think we often assume well see people again, so we treat moments as insignificant, says Emil矇. But every moment is potentially a significant moment depending on how you contextualize it. Trapper has shown Emil矇 how to make each moment countwhether hes going for a walk or simply enjoying being outside. When Emil矇 returned home after a recent trip she took a page from Trappers playbook. I spun around the yard and just marveled at the beautiful landscapes around me, she says. Before long, I was beaming, and I thought, Wow, this is how Trapper feels all the time. Now, that feeling is something Emil矇 aspires to everyday.
Lesson #3: Be Adaptable
Emil矇 loves the way Trapper can quickly adapt to any scenario. As a kid, I had to adapt to a lot of different things, she says. Trapper will happily go lay on the beach with Emil矇 while she reads a book or catches a wave, or accompany her on a mountain bike ride. Dogs have to be especially adaptable because they dont know whats coming next. To keep Trapper fueled up and ready for whatever adventure the day brings, Emil矇 is careful about what she feeds him. If hes not feeling nourished, then we cant go on the big bike ride, she says. If he hasnt eaten well, Emil矇 can see how it affects the way he shows up. They recently switched to and so far Trapper has been gobbling his kibble straight, which is new for him. Hes not like, Hey lady, wheres my topper?
Lesson #4: Live Life on Your Own Terms
While Trapper is a friendly, cuddly dog hes also not one to be pressured into doing anything. For example, hes a little reserved at the dog park until he finds a dog he really connects with. Emil矇 appreciates this behavior. I think theres this idea that we always need to behave in the way that society expects us to, which is like greeting everyone and being stoked on everyone, she says. Theres an impulse to encourage him to go say hi to other dogs and run around, but shes come to learn that Trapper doesn’t play with other dogs until hes ready. Emil矇 has appreciated the lesson in learning to let him be who and how he is without judgment. He does things his own way and engages in the way he wants to engage.
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