My dogs are the most ridiculous, most beautiful, and most rock solid part of my life. Adopting 2 dogs while in college was reckless and a little crazy, but being a puppy mom is the most rewarding part of my life. I love coming home to their squishy faces and their sloppy kisses. I wouldn't be who I am if I wasn't a crazy dog lady. They have taught me more about myself than any human I've ever encountered. Here are 10 things my dogs have taught me, but not in order of importance.
1) Some days, snuggling should be the only thing on the agenda.
Some days the only important to-do should be to have nothing to do. Relaxation is vital to your success (something that's hard to remember around finals week).
2) You're never too old to play
Sweet Papa Smurph is almost 9 years old and he plays with Winston better than dogs half of his age. Don't let anything keep you from being silly with your pals. We're all pups at heart!
3) Forgive
I yell at my boys daily and still they want nothing more than to sit in my lap and cuddle up. Forgive like a dog forgives, quickly and fully, with no record of wrongs.
4)Everyone loves belly rubs...everyone
This one is self-explanatory. Just make sure you ask first (both people and pups).
5) Listen.
This one is a work in progress. Whenever I yell at Winston or Murphy, 98% of the time it is because they're doing something that could potentially really hurt them. I'm working on remembering that maybe my friends and parents do the same thing to me. Listening is what keeps you safe.
6) Protect your people.
Protect those closest to you with the ferocity of a wolf. Be there for them in times of trial. Do not leave them alone and always watch over them.
7) Be proud of your bark.
Be unapologetic about who you are. There is no one who is better suited for your life than you.
8) Enjoy the scenery.
Life is moving so quickly around you, its easy to get caught in the whirlwind of the everyday. Don't forget to stop and smell the air, the trees, the bushes, the grass, your neighbor... (okay maybe don't smell all of those things but you get my point). Don't get lost in your own life.
9) Be creative.
Murphy and Winston will lay in the living room for hours talking to each other while they play with old water bottles, or cardboard, or my socks or anything else they can find. It drives me crazy, but it reminds me to be thankful for what I have, and to be creative in my environment. Be creative with your materials and you'll find happiness in even the smallest places.
10) Find your tribe, your family, your people or your pack and love them with everything you have.
Find people who make you feel good about yourself, who will share their food with you, who will snuggle you and who will come kiss your face when you are sad. Surround yourself with so much positivity and light that darkness cant possibly make its way in. Like dogs, almost all people are good when they find their pack. Find your tribe and love them so hard. Never let them go.
