Billygoat is the best 'and our key'

I came to Canada in September of 2012 to pursue a new way of life and follow up on my career path of teaching snowsports. My intention was to spend the ski season working in a ski resort meaning I was able to hone my skills in snowboarding. Things took an unexpected turn when in November of 2012 when I was let go from my job in the ski resort where I had secured employment. This threw a wrench in the works and meant that I wasn't able to spend the ski season at the resort and so felt it necessary to return to the UK.

I returned to Canada in March of 2013 to undergo an examination so that I could become a snowboard instructor. A week before I was due to fly out to Canada, I was knocked off my bicycle by a motorist who wasn't paying attention to his driving. Although I had no serious injuries, I wasn't successful in achieving my goal. I left the resort and traveled to see a friend who lives a few hours away.

I stayed with my friend for a while and in the meantime I met the most amazing woman who I now call my wife.

When I asked her to go on a date with me, she said she would be walking her dog down by the river that flows through the village we live in and to meet there. The first thing I experienced when meeting her was a black, pit-bull like dog, running towards me and I remember thinking that this could go either way. I don't have a lot of experience with dogs of that breed and I have been bitten before so I was slightly uneasy but I maintained good composure. As soon as he reached me I was bowled over by his (Billy's) friendliness and affection and his desire to be accepted. Straight away I knew I had met myself but in dog form.

I met with my date (Natalie, my wife) and we had a wonderful time just hanging out and appreciating the nature around us.

Ever since we met, Billygoat has had to re-adjust to my being around and his position in the house has changed. Once a upon a time he occupied his mother's side (my wife) and slept on the bed etc. He gradually accepted the change thrown his way and we have bonded more and more as the years have passed. Something I have noted is the way he is treated by others that do not know him. He is oftentimes misunderstood and on a few occasions it has lead to others becoming aggressive towards Billy and myself.

All through my life I seem to have had the face that fits a guilty look so oftentimes I found myself in trouble when I was in no way responsible. It seems that now I have a dog who also fits the same profile and I am so glad that he is by my side (even though he clearly loves his mama way more than he does I).

Recently I began working in another ski resort only to have my employment ended due to a misunderstanding between myself and the corporation. I know a lot more today about my individual rights so am working to resolve that issue. Whilst working up on the ski hill, I would be away from Billygoat and his mama would be at work so our time together became very small. Something however keeps bringing us back together and I find myself with him by my side during the day.

Needless to say that I know I need to work to be productive and to earn a living but I believe the Universe is telling me to become responsible for my own income i.e. to work for myself. Although I wanted to be a snowboard instructor, it seems that is not what the Universe has in store for me. On this basis, I am going to heed the silent advice being given to me and work for myself.

In closing, I believe that the Universe has been showing me several signs advising me that my current path is not the one to continue on if I am to find happiness including keeping me from the snowsports industry. Nurturing the relationships with the people currently in my life, investing my own blood, sweat and tears into my own ventures in order to maintain a living, and taking steps to better oneself spiritually, are the things everyone needs and I intend to venture down that path. Everybody needs fulfillment in life but sometimes people are unable to find out 'how to gain fulfillment' without relying on the age old method of accumulating material items which does not bring fulfillment. Whenever I look into Billygoat's eyes, I see fulfillment in a symbiotic way as I believe he has found fulfillment with me being around just as much as I have found it with him being around. He is also a symbol of the love between my wife and I so thank you Billygoat, you may just be the key I have been looking for.