1.) Respect for Others, Including Those Who Do Not Walk on Two Legs

I was born into a house with a gentle giant who couldn’t get enough of me. For as long as I could remember, my yellow lab named Boomer followed me everywhere. From laying on the couch watching a movie, to at my feet while I ate (to catch what I dropped of course), and being a friend during playtime, he was always right by my side. I was taught at an early age that he couldn’t play like us humans, and I had to respect it. Although he got to wear the princess crown during dress up, that was as far as it went. From day one I was taught to never push or be disrespectful in anyway with him. He had feelings and boundaries, and without realizing it, I carried that lesson into everyday life. Even in small ways, it showed me to be kind to everyone and everything I met. I strongly believe that growing up with a dog has been beneficial to my overall understanding for those around me.

2.) Patience Truly is a Virtue

I have found it so interesting that even though both of my dogs have been Labrador Retrievers, they have been polar opposites. For those of you who have ever owned a Lab, you know that distinguishing goofy personality trait they all share. At least with my two dogs, with that goofy personality has come with a short attention span, a lack of self control and most definitely a lack of self awareness - you know, the 100 pound giants who think they can squeeze perfectly on your lap. Training them or getting them to cooperate in the slightest way is often times a true challenge. My current dog, Max, is extremely smart, however he does what he wants, when he wants. With a personality like this, his stubbornness tests my patience more times than not. It has taught me that not everything in life will come easy, even if we think it should. A lot of the time, we really have to work to get what we want; including convincing Max to give me his paw.

3.) Living Your Best Life

Dogs do not have many years with us here on Earth, and I have heard people say that it is because dogs only need that short amount of time to make a difference and make their presence known. I don’t think there has been one morning that I have come downstairs without a grin (yes, a grin) from ear to ear plastered right across my dog’s face. It seems as if he wakes up every morning and greets each sunrise as a new beginning. It is so simple, but getting up each morning is something so many of us take for granted. Living with a dog has made me step back many times and appreciate the little things in life.

4.) Happiness is Everywhere

Okay, maybe not everywhere. However, it is in most places and if you search hard enough, you’ll find it. I have seen both of my pups in bad moods and in some sticky situations, but they have never failed to get right back up on their paws with their tails wagging and tongues flopped out of the side of their mouths. Life isn’t all Milk-Bones and tennis balls, but my dogs have taught me that it is all about creating your own happiness where there is none and making the best out of every situation. With that, they have a way of bringing happiness into our lives in the smallest ways. Even they know their ever-present tail wags have a way of making our days better.

5.) Loyalty and Love Go Hand in Hand

If I could take away just one lesson my dogs have taught me, it is to love and to do so loyally. It sounds oh-so-cliche, but my previous dog loved me with every ounce of his being up until the day he passed, and my current dog has done nothing short of that. I feel his love continually, especially when he looks at me like I can do no wrong. Sometimes it may be because I have food in my hand, but nevertheless, it is still a look of love that never gets old. I think that most importantly, you can feel their love as it is unlike any other. Walking through my front door to see my best friend hurdling towards me with love and happiness gleaming from his face is something that never, ever gets old.

I strongly believe that all dogs have a way of making days seem easier and life seem lighter. Their lives are simple; to love, be loved, and I believe we will always have something more to learn from man’s best friend.