Daniel Nazareth's Blog

Sequoia, our 8-month-old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, graduated from basic obedience and started advanced training. Puppy photos below!

Two years ago, Krystyna and I rented a van and travelled through the major national parks on the West Coast. When we arrived at Sequoia National Park, my love for trees took root in their scale and endurance. Sequoia trees are among the largest in the world by volume and can live for over 3,000 years. Standing among the giant redwoods, I was completely absorbed by their quiet strength. 

That same feeling returned earlier this year, when we went to visit a litter of puppies. The room buzzed with wagging tails, excited yelps, and boundless energy (with an immense sense of national pride as Nova Scotia Duck Tollers are among 1 of 5 pure bred Canadian dogs). 

Every pup rushed to greet us, elbows up, letting us know they were there, except one. She stayed back, observing and measuring the room. Eventually, she sauntered over, each step deliberate. That was the moment I knew this was our Sequoia.

Sequoia changes the energy of any space she enters with her cheerful readiness. Around other dogs, she approaches with cautious curiosity, inching closer until she is seen, then lying down to invite them the rest of the way. When we ask if she’s tired, Sequoia answers with her whole body by settling down immediately and slowly fluttering her eyes. She is the dog I have waited for my whole life.

Moments with her come naturally. Although, when I watch TV, she sits right in front of me and stares deep into my soul. It’s as if Sequoia is asking me, “why are you doing that when the world is right here?”. She shows me that presence does not require thinking or doing anything, only noticing. Dogs seem to get that instinctively. 

When we contemplate leaving Sequoia at home (rarely anymore since she’s the love of our life), Krystyna reminds me that Sequoia’s world is only as big as we make it. Like Sequoia, my thoughts travel with me everywhere. Watching her shows me that I can never truly be anywhere else. My thoughts may drift to the past or future, but they always arise in this very moment. Sequoia embodies this with every glance, pause, and cautious step. 

She notices every sound, scent, and subtle movement. A TTC streetcar rumbling along King Street, fresh rain on the cobble stones of the Distillery District, a maple leaf drifting along St. James Park. 

Every moment lived. 

Having Sequoia around reminds me that my life is only as big as the moments I notice. 

Call this a self-reminder to be present, Sequoia just calls it life. 

With Care,

Daniel Nazareth