I have become addicted as of late to looking at the Instagram page of @Picassothewonkyandwacku.
This is a glorious page where you get to see rescue dogs in the Pacific North-West living their best lives. And not only are the dogs living their best lives, it would seem the owners are too.
Yes, yes, everyone looks happy on Instagram, but what draws me to this page, besides the absolute joy of seeing happy dogs every day, is the purity of it all. There is such genuine joy on the faces of the dogs, and you can hear it in the laughter of the owners also.
There must be about ten dogs shown in daily video footage, sometimes two to three times a day. Whether they’re out on their daily strolls in the woods, being fed, or playing with each other. Underneath each video footage there are descriptive captions about each dog and their unique personalities and disabilities.
For this is no ordinary dog rescue home. This is a rescue home for dogs which have disabilities from birth, or from abuse they have suffered. Each one of them seems to have been given the utmost love and care. And as I write this, I think, what more could we hope for in the world really? Love, compassion, care and support for all living beings.
There is Newt, a beautiful leggy dog (unsure of breed) that had its nose bitten off by its mum as a young pup, and yet he is completely full of life, constantly playing with the other dogs. Chewing anything that he can get his mouth over.
Then there is Winnie, one of the sweetest dogs I have ever seen, she is a chunky little thing, and seems to be so patient with the other dogs that sit on her, or play with her in a rough manner. She is often shown in footage to be sat there with her long tongue just hanging out, looking as if she also has a big smile on her face when playing. There is also Picasso who was born with a wonky snout, unbeknown to him, his face is obscure, and he goes about his life as happy as Larry in his rescue home. And lets not forget Pax, the beautiful and intelligent rescue pig.
The beauty and kindness of these people looking after the animals is so apparent in the videos. It shines through the dogs and the page has reached an audience of roughly 300,000 followers on Instagram. And I can see why.
In a world which often seems full of chaos and destruction of the natural world, it is through places like this that bring hope and joy not only to animals, but to everyone viewing the content.
A resounding message is being sent to people that this content has reached, we can all make the lives of animals better, and no animal has to go unloved, no matter its uniqueness, background or difficulties.
To those that run the organisation, I want to say thank you, thank you for the daily joy and for giving us all hope that we can make a difference.
Lets show kindness to animals everywhere.
Agate Amara 