From a young age, I always wanted my own teddy-like puppy. Living at home I would constantly nag my parents to get me one. At the age of 21, I was studying a degree that didn't feel right and I was crippled with depression. This was the moment that I finally managed to persuade my parents to let me have a dog!
For such a low point in my life, it sure was a blessing in disguise and the brightest silver lining. My struggle was probably one of the most typical struggles young people tend to have in this day and age. I was going through an especially tough time in my family life and academic life. Depression for me was a dark and bleak place with no hope, endless days in bed not wanting to wake up and countless tears. I was a shell of myself with no purpose. I can honestly say that when Neville entered my life, he was the reason for my complete recovery. Nev was better than any counsellor, doctor, psychologist or anti-depressant medication. Nev gave me unconditional love and a sense of purpose. He gave me a reason to get out of bed and licked away all my tears.
One of the outcomes of my depression was that I developed social anxiety. I became a recluse and was always anxious in any social setting I was forced to be in, because I was worried people would see through the mask I was putting on and know I was pretending to be okay. But when Nev came into my life, he helped me get back to the bubbly and sociable person I used to be. He forced me to get out and about where of course people would come up to chat and pat the cute puppy! With Nev by my side, I slowly let go of all my fears and for [him] I am forever grateful.
Nev is like my little shadow, constantly following me EVERYWHERE. He's so clingy and will follow me from room to room (including the bathroom haha). He would go to the ends of the world to be with me. We live right by the beach, but he's not a fan of the water and tends to avoid going in. However, he will always follow me if I go in and even doggy paddle to me when his paws can't touch the ground. He makes me so happy I feel like my heart will explode with love - Just one look at him and I melt! Dogs are too pure for this world.
Says Niki & Nev – Melbourne, Australia. Neville was the lucky 'Most Human-Like' dog winner from the Sebastian Says | Ciao Cielo Pop-Up help in April 2019. Image Credit DogFolk
