UPFRONT
COVER MODEL Words: Suzy Holland | Photo: Ingenium Photography
(With thanks to Mike and Tracey for allowing Baloo and Yogi to be part of the cover shoot)
On this month’s cover is stunt performer Christopher Whitlow, pictured here by Ingenium Photography in the great Manx outdoors with Newfoundland dogs Baloo and Yogi. During the past couple of months, Christopher says he has been focusing on the positives and making the most of the Island’s fresh air and stunning surroundings: “The Island has so much to offer, and being able to cycle in isolation during the restrictions was a blessing. Now with the restrictions here lifted, whilst much of the world remains ‘locked down’, I’ve been lucky enough to SCUBA dive, kayak around the Calf of Man, horse ride, surf and get back into boxing with the Manx ABC. Talking of which, if you’re interested in boxing or getting back into training you should check-out their phenomenal new facility in Douglas!” “But it’s not just sport, being able to enjoy the local restaurants, bars and coffee shops is also something I’ll never take for granted again,” Christopher continues. “I had some travelling booked before the pandemic but for now a ‘staycation’ will have to do, and if you’re looking for a mini adventure away from home, I can highly recommend Glen Wyllin campsite.” Gallery: I’ve got to ask - do you work for IOM Tourism? Christopher: Ha ha no, but I’ve always said the Isle of Man ‘is what you make it’. Adventure is out there waiting to be had and now with the lockdown gone, it’s time to make the most of it! Gallery: So how was lockdown for you? Christopher: It certainly had its challenges but to be honest, I’m grateful to have found myself on the beautiful Isle of Man during this difficult time. I’ve taken positivity and inspiration from the
local heroes rising to the unprecedented challenge and I have massive respect for those who work on the front line and for all the amazing NHS staff who truly are real life ‘superheroes’. My Mum was a nurse and managed an intensive care unit before retiring and I really appreciate the life and death gravitas of the situation they have been facing relentlessly for these past months so, in comparison, my lockdown hasn’t been difficult at all and there have been both challenges and opportunities. Gallery: Opportunities? Christopher: Yes! With a pack of 12 pooches to exercise every day, I’ve been immersed in the Manx outdoors and keeping fit in body and mind. I also spent time geeking out on animal behavioural psychology first to better understand horses for stunt riding, but then I realised from observing the ‘wolf pack’ that dogs can teach us some valuable life lessons. Gallery: Excuse me – we can learn from dogs? Really? Christopher: Yes! Not everyone is lucky enough to own a dog but I think anyone can learn from their natural charisma, genuine happiness and contagious enthusiasm. I’m certainly not suggesting we, as humans, need to run up to everyone we meet screaming (or barking) with joy, but showing a genuine interest in others, asking questions and actually listening to the answers takes us out of the ‘world of me’ and expands our universe. Gallery: I can go along with that, so is there anything else dogs can teach us? Christopher: How about their curiosity, adventure seeking nature everywhere and ability to play, at the drop of a hat or stick? I think humans can learn from this, to be spontaneous and to practice ‘living in the moment’. This virus, and its restrictions, has encouraged many of us to appreciate what we’ve got, whether it’s getting out into the countryside or even the simple, and rare, opportunity to stop and think about our surroundings. As for play - in
our often busy, stressful human lives, should we actually be focusing on making ‘fun’ more of a priority? Gallery: Good point! And good for our mental health. Christopher: I think so! And don’t forget dogs live in the real world, not in a life ruled by social media. I’m not for any minute suggesting we should log out of all those platforms and go back to the days before Instagram but for many people, young and old, looking at others’ heavily filtered, perfectly curated, lives can be mentally crippling. And most of it doesn’t reflect reality! If we can take a lead (ha ha) from dogs and tune out from that virtual world and get into the real one, we can find an unfiltered beauty both in nature and in other human beings. Dogs also don’t care what they look like, they come in all colours, all sizes and all styles. So do humans, and I think we should remember that and, like dogs, not judge so much. Gallery: Wow, that’s some pretty deep thinking. Will you be adding ‘philosopher’ to your CV? Christopher (laughs): I have considered studying for a degree in Psychology (my first degree was in Economics) but maybe for now, just a ‘be more dog’ hashtag?!
If Christopher’s life lessons have encouraged you to not only ‘be more dog’ in your outlook but also consider opening your life and your home to a real one, then it doesn’t have to be a Kennel Club pedigree or the product of an illegal puppy farm across. The ManxSPCA rescues and rehomes dogs of all types, all sizes and all ages, and is the best source of advice about owning a dog.
For more information call 01624 851672 or see www.facebook.com/ManxSPCA
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ISLE OF MAN PREMIER MAGAZINE
