“Dog Years” by Kaye Blegvad is a book about depression that is not depressing. In fact, it’s empowering. One of the greatest defenses against depression is knowing that you are not alone, or in this case, that other people have bad dogs of their own.
Kaye Blegvad uses a bad dog as a spot-on metaphor for the depression she experiences. Through her illustrations, she shows that she was born with this dog and reflects upon her journey of taming it. The illustrations, along with the text, carry the burden of depression in a way that’s liberating, as there are tangible images and the text to describe what can feel like an ominous presence.
It’s easy to think of depression as a mysterious creature that's always ready to strike, lurking in the shadows rather than a concrete entity; one that we can overcome. Presenting depression as a dog is a reminder that we can tame our angry dogs and all that terrorize our minds.
All of our dogs are different; some need treats such as medication, while others can become tame with therapy. Blegvad reflects this point, which is so important because there is never a “one size fits all” remedy.
Dogs have all shapes and sizes, and we don’t always introduce them. We may not feel comfortable with the way our dog barks and bites in front of company. However, it’s an honor when we are able to show our dogs to others; swap stories and tricks. Sometimes, two dogs end up getting along.
“Dog Years” is so powerful is because it eliminates the victim-blaming aspect of the stigma. The book provides insight to the fact that depression is not always something we can control. We may find ourselves behaving irrationally without an immediate way to soothe ourselves. Anyone who’s trained an actual dog will know that there will be trials and tribulations. It’s not something that happens overnight.
It’s a journey to train our dogs. They may always be with us, and that’s okay. With mental health garnering attention in the news and media, training and introducing our dogs is becoming easier. The stigma is beginning to crumble and resources such as “Dog Years” are helping.
“Dog Years” is a great book to read when your dog is becoming unruly. With the wonderful illustration and smart dialogue, you’ll be able to coax yourself and your dog. It may not solve each and every problem, but it will soothe some of your burden and may even make you smile. It's also a reminder that we don't have to face our dogs alone; there are many who are also training their own dogs.
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