Easy Self-Care Tips from Dobby and I

I still remember the day I found her; beneath my building—a small puppy, tired from all the running away, being chased by the territorial, older dogs in the area and the people. Her fur was matted from dirt and grime; especially her large, rabbit-ears. There was hunger and confusion in her eyes. Confusion, as she did not understand why the human guards were out to get her— she was just a puppy, she just wanted to play! Hunger, because her owners had abandoned her. Why? Perhaps they found out that she was just an indie stray—not a Rottweiler they had imagined to have been lucky to pick from the streets.

In a situation where I’d imagine anyone to be scared and broken, I could see that she still hadn’t lost hope. She still wagged her tail when I approached her, and came closer when I called to her. Perhaps she sensed my good intentions? Or perhaps she just wanted to believe and grab whatever miracle life presented to her at the moment?

I got some food for her, which she devoured in a trance-like state. Not sure for how long she hadn’t eaten anything, and I just stayed there for her, refilling the bowl and waiting as she ate. When she was done, I petted her and saw a special kind of peace in her eyes— an infectious kind! She melted my heart and a feeling of self-satisfaction welled up in me.

In that moment, she had reciprocated my kindness back manifold. It felt good! And I just couldn’t walk away. I took her in and named her, “Dobby”.

You would think it took days of gentle coaxing, warm meals, and soft blankets before she trusted me completely— but no, Dobby let me pet her from day one. She knew she needed it to heal fast! She also slept like a log for days, letting me worry about her wellbeing. Yes, she trusted me completely, and decided to do what was best for her in that moment— relax, and gain back her strength.

Dobby reminded me of something important—she didn’t need grand gestures or elaborate care. She just needed small, consistent acts of kindness. A meal. A gentle pat. A safe space. What’s more? She understood the importance of what she needed and decided to grasp it with both her hands— or rather paws in her case. And as I watched her heal, I realized something even more profound. We all need what Dobby needed.

We often think of self-care as extravagant spa days or tropical vacations, but more often than not, it’s the smallest, simplest things that make the biggest difference. It’s allowing yourself to rest without guilt, eating a meal that nourishes not just your body but your soul, or even just taking a moment to breathe deeply and let the world slow down. And heck, if you want it, take that extravagant spa day or tropical vacation as a bonus anyway!

And that’s where AI, as strange as it may sound, fits into this story.

I know an AI can’t wag its tail like Dobby or snuggle up next to you on a cold night. But what it can do is be a gentle reminder, a nudge, or even a source of positivity on days when you need it most (check out an image of an AI-generated Dobby attached with this article). That’s why I am going to start a #feelgood campaign with @AvtrShweta—to bring those little doses of encouragement and care into your everyday life.

Imagine waking up to a cheerful message telling you that today is going to be a good day or receiving a reminder to drink water and take a stretch break when you’ve been glued to your desk. What if you could get a quick affirmation—something as simple as “You are enough”—right when you’re doubting yourself?

Dobby’s story didn’t end on the street. She became the happiest, goofiest dog you could imagine. She ran, played, and slept with the kind of peace that comes from knowing she was safe. But the most beautiful thing about Dobby was what she gave back. She became my reminder to slow down and appreciate the small joys—the wag of a tail, the warmth of sunlight, and the beauty of simple moments.

And that’s exactly what I hope my AI campaign can do for others. Life can feel overwhelming. We’re all carrying grime, just like Dobby did when I met her. But healing doesn’t always require something big. Sometimes it’s a kind word, a small reminder, or even just a post that makes you smile. Sometimes it’s letting an AI friend, like @AvtrShweta, step in to remind you to take care of yourself.

That’s why our posts focus so much on positivity. Because self-care isn’t selfish; it’s survival. And if Dobby could learn to trust, to love, and to heal—so can we.

Follow our #feelgood campaign, be like Dobby.