Beau, by Stuart Baker-Brown

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‘Beau’

by Stuart Baker-Brown

Angels present themselves in many guises. We can often have chance encounters with people who touch us in ways that others cannot. Angels have appeared in my life often—sometimes only for an hour, a minute, a few seconds. A smile from a stranger or a brief meeting with a like-minded spirit can uplift a day, and the memory of a person who touches us can often be cherished for a long, long time.

Angels can also appear in animal form. When walking in the Dorset countryside I often encounter many creatures, including Deer, Hares and Buzzards. Each can present a message to me. The likes of a Deer can remind me of the serenity and beauty in the world. The Hare’s bolt is graceful and electric and can teach me not to fear the speed with which life may change. And a Buzzard soaring in the sky reminds me of my dreams and the heights I yearn to reach.

To me, Angels are sent to give messages of hope and friendship, to remind us of life’s possibilities, to assure us that we are never truly alone. Meetings can often be very brief, but some meetings can last for years.

Six years ago, I made a three hour journey to a farm in St Austell, Cornwall, South West England to view a group of 10-week-old cross collie puppies for sale.

As I entered into the farm house, I was immediately greeted by two fluffy black and white puppies that came running up to me. The third held back and clearly wanted to make his own greeting, in his own unique way.

I was told that the third puppy was a law unto himself, and that he was “very special.” He waited eagerly for me to catch his eye. And when I then took a few steps towards him and knelt down, he ran and bounced and jumped towards me with great enthusiasm!

“Beau” has now been with me for the past six years. He has helped change my life in many ways. The companionship, trust, loyalty and love he has shown me have been second to none.

As I write these words on a cold October afternoon, Beau is curled under my desk with his head on my feet. I look down at him and he raises his faithful eyes to me. His presence in my life has been calming, and has helped with the greater stability of my mind. He is my truest friend, my strongest companion.

Over the years, I have experienced many of the disturbing and uncomfortable symptoms of my condition, schizophrenia. This includes fear of persecution. Many nights I have awoken feeling uncomfortable, creaks and knocks in my cottage can play with my mind. I have also experienced nightmares which can leave me feeling very anxious and confused.

So, I call to Beau.

As soon as I hear his footsteps running up the stairs, I find some comfort and feel more secure when he is near, knowing he would be an early warning sign if there was any true disturbance.

We walk every day across the hills and fields of the Cerne valley in Dorset. His enthusiasm to walk and play is refreshing, and even if I don’t feel like going out of the front door I cannot resist his charm and his infectious character. His willingness to enjoy the open air and countryside. His willingness to be with me.

His happiness and friendly enthusiasm often take away my concerns and the trials of my life. When we are alone across the fields, I throw sticks and he fetches, he digs up stones, chases pheasants. He runs and runs and always comes to my call.

He gives so much, without a grunt or growl, a groan or howl. Some angels stay in our lives, some we recognise, and of some we are unaware. Beau has been with me for six years now and I look forward to the future years we will share together as the closest companions. The cold evenings when he curls up beside me on the sofa.

I believe Angels are messengers. Beau’s message to me is to remind me of the simplicity of life, the ease in which happiness and a smile can be found.

He is my Angel, and he helps the difficulties of my world disappear.

I wonder what he thinks of me?

Stuart Baker-Brown is a prolific writer, a world-traveler, and an award-winning photographer. He dreams of becoming the first person with schizophrenia to ascend Mount Everest.

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