Man's best friend never fails, even when it comes to the little things. Sometimes dogs have the power to make us smile and laugh the way no human can. Just as all friends should, dogs teach us a great deal about life that we might not have noticed. From a fluffy, four-legged perspective, they teach us how simple and enjoyable life really is. The truth is, we need our furry pals just as much as they need us!
1. Unconditional Love
From a dog's perspective, you are the best person alive. You are the most amazing and beautiful person they've ever known. You play with them, you take them on vacations or car rides, you feed them, give them treats, give them a bath or take them to the groomer, and you pick up their poop. What's better than that?
Even if you get mad at them over little things like peeing on the carpet or chewing up your favorite pair of shoes, that dog thinks you're the best person in the word. And if you mess that up, I'm sorry, but you're probably not a great human being. At all. You would have to be completely awful. In all honesty, I hope that I can offer the unconditional love that dogs give to us every day.
2. How to Be a Good Friend
Amazing, isn't it? Our furry little friends know us better than anyone. They see us when we wake up, when we're angry or when we're hysterically crying. They're there for it all. They know our moods and how our day's been. They just know. They sit there, or lay down right next to us and let us cry on them, as they look up at you with sad eyes, as if trying to console us. They just sit nearby and watch us, making sure that we're okay and we know that they are there for us, through both the happiest and hardest times of our lives.
3. Listening is Key in Any Relationship
Pets can teach us that in order to be there and support someone, you don't necessarily have to say anything. Just simply sit there and have a somewhat understanding expression on your face, and that's enough. Rather than trying to give advice that doesn't really apply to the situation or accidentally making your friend feel worse, simply just sit there and listen. Listening is the most meaningful action between two people.
4. Self-Acceptance
We can also learn to not worry so much what others think of us. Just as humans don't really have a choice in who our parents are, neither do dogs. But they aren't bothered by their appearances much at all. Yeah, there's some crazy mixes, but a Pomsky is still pretty cute (Pomeranian + Husky). Or maybe a dog is a little overweight or has a bad haircut. I'm sure they can feel the self-consciousness, but they move on with life and continue to enjoy everyday. After all, playing fetch or going on walks aren't so bad! And, just like hair, fur grows back pretty quickly. There's nothing to worry about.
5. Forgiveness
Dogs teach us no to hold grudges. They teach us how to forgive. We can learn the lesson of forgiveness, especially through the eyes of rescue dogs. Rescue dogs show that they can forgive someone that has treated them so poorly, and still show love and appreciation to their new owners that love them dearly. Unlike dogs, humans tend to hold grudges, especially over the little things. But, when truly contemplating it, it takes a lot more energy to hold a grudge than to forgive and move one from the mishap. No matter how you behave, your dog will always forgive you.
6. Never Take Anyone or Anything for Granted
Enjoy the little things in life. And the people that are in your life. Too often do we take the little things, like a home cooked meal or a visit from a family member for granted. But, in all honesty, the little things are the most important things in our lives. One day, we might not have that family member, but another day you can go see a movie with your friends, unless the movie theater grows legs and walks away.
7. The World is Too Materialistic
Things are just that, "things." Pet owners get a big taste of this, especially when their favorite possessions get chewed up by the teething puppy. Even though it may be frustrating, what we can learn from our stuff being ruined, is that things are simply just "things." For the most part, everything is replaceable: like shoes, toys, underwear. But, if you weren't so lucky ... I'm really sorry about your great-great-great-great-grandfather's-sister's vase that was worth a lot of money. But again, things are just things. I'm sure there's another vase, maybe not worth as much, but there's another vase somewhere.
8. How to be Loyal and Dependable
Dogs ultimately show us how to be a good friend. Dogs are both loyal and dependable: both characteristics that one often looks for when making friends. Haven't you noticed? Dogs create a pack, stick to their pack, and protect and defend their pack at all costs. Being both loyal and dependable are characteristics we look for in all personal relationships, whether that be a friend, lover, sibling, partner or parent. It's always nice to have someone to count on.
9. Get Dirty and Have Fun
Dogs teach us that life is short and that we should take all opportunities that arise. This means doing that 5k color run that you've always wanted even though you may not be in the best shape. Don't hold back! Be spontaneous! Most importantly, it's important to make the most of everyday and have fun!
10. Give People a Chance
It's funny, really. Most dogs aren't shy and run up to a person even if they haven't met him or her, greeting them with a bunch of kisses. But, interestingly enough, they can tell the kind of person you are as soon as they see you. So, I guess when the new guy you're dating comes to your door to pick you up for your five o'clock date that evening, how your dog reacts to this stranger is important to take into account. So, ladies, if your dog doesn't like him, maybe he's not the one for you.
So, now you know. Each and every day, you teach your dog something new, and vice versa. Go give your dog a giant hug and a biscuit for being such a great best friend!
