We are all so lucky to be influenced and motivated by Neil Young in so many unique ways. Here is my story, and I hope this is the right place for me to share it.
I began reading Waging Heavy Peace when it was released in the fall of 2012. I was psyched about seeing Neil live coming up in December. He mentions somewhere in his book that he starts his day walking about 2 miles in this sacred ritual of man and beast. That idea somehow spoke to my soul. Never having had a dog before, I didn’t foresee the overwhelming passion ahead. It’s like that same energy he riffs with his guitar that takes us in new directions and to new places! I knew that I wanted a dog.
I visited several different puppy stores, looked into rescues, and considered some Neil Young related names. It was becoming the winter depression season, but I was embracing this new challenge and change. My little daughter had been begging me for a dog ever since she could talk. Up until then, I had been a bit reluctant. Reading Neil’s book and absorbing the dog-loving vibe he naturally possesses was so exciting that I confidently welcomed a brand-new energy. And let’s not forget Neil’s story of how his dog ran away and some fans that were on the way to the show stayed back and waited until Neil’s dog came back and they brought him to the show. Neil’s heartfelt response to a disruptive concert attendee also fueled my desire. His storytelling, writing, and music revealed a passion for pups that I felt I needed to be present in my life.
Within a few weeks, I got word that my uncle was looking for a beloved home for a 3-year-old rescue golden retriever. My uncle is also a Neil fan, and he is hugely sensitive to sound and appreciates his vinyl way more than any digital download. We took the 7-hour drive to pick up our new family member. Rufus already had a cool name, so I didn’t need to come up with one. Rufus taught me about patience, compassion, and structure as we explored the planet together. I fiercely adopted the (wo)man and beast swagger that I felt Neil was guiding me towards. It was a new sense of freedom and peace. My long walks with Rufus were such a gift. I often spent the time listening to Neil’s music and, believe it or not, it was even more pleasurable (if that’s possible) to listen to Neil narrating his book Special Deluxe. Neil taught me about alternative energy sources and the Earth’s future while being so present in my walking with Rufus. Neil shared his one-of-a-kind essence that stimulates and gratefully soothes the hungry soul. Neil is such a dynamic being with his music, beliefs, and activism. He exudes a powerful live presence and unleashes it with the thrust of all of his being. Whatever it is, he has a quality that brings us fans to be who we really are….
I just wanted to share my gratitude for the connection to Neil’s spirit and his love for dogs. It led me to find a best friend and spend the last nine years “walkin’ in the free world” with Rufus. I will always miss him. I look forward to the next dog, whenever that happens…I’ll call him Barn! — Barn-Barn! Barney will be my next Earth partner. Thank you, Neil.
Love and only love.