Honestly, the hardest part about coming to college was leaving my furry baby at home. I thought when she became a part of my life that I would be the one teaching her, but now I know that's not the case. She is stubborn and has a mind of her own, yet she is always teaching me what it looks like to have a life full of joy. Those same principles can, and should be applied to our daily living.
I hope you too can relate to and learn from the lessons that our furry babies teach us.
1. It's okay to slow down and enjoy the sights and sounds. (Smells too.)
I NEVER got through a single walk without her stopping to smell grass, poop, and everything in-between. I would drag, push, and nudge her to keep her moving. We live in a world where it is frowned upon to slow down and enjoy the present moment. My dog has taught me otherwise.
2. Water is a necessity.
I recall the countless times I would be watching a movie to the sounds of my dog slurping up water in the background. It made for a great soundtrack. I remember finding her in the bath tub, her snout hair a wet mess, and her beady sad eyes crying out for water. Don't deprive yourselves of this cleansing substance.
2. It's okay to give puppy eyes to get what you want.
This seemed to only work on my grandparents for me. If you are successful on others, feel free to share your secrets (they are safe with me.) It is hard to say no to a dog who is fully invested in their wishes. They do what it takes to get you to fall captive to their requests begging, scratching, and wining. They teach resilience.
4. Someone is always watching you.
I don't know where people get the notion that they are invincible and report to no one. Dogs are professional watchers always on the lookout for your safety. They watch you rolling on the floor laughing. They see you on your worst day as silent tears roll down your face. They also watch with their ears. Your secrets are safe with them.
5. Joy can be found in the little things.
My dog goes crazy at the mention of the word "walk." She runs all around the house and jumps on the door like a maniac. I've never met anyone who loves cheese as much as my furry companion (which is why we get along so well.) I didn't know the simple pleasure of hanging out the window of a moving car until I copied my dog. She knows the importance of living life to the fullest and finding the simple joys in our everyday world.
6. Unconditional love does in fact exist.
I forgot to feed her. I didn't put water outside for her. I forgot about her out in the cold. I stepped on her paw. I woke her up for no reason. I followed her when she wanted to be alone and yet she is the one being who was always happy to see me when I got home for the day. She would greet me with a sloppy kiss. Love is at it's finest when there aren't conditions.
We take them to training and teach them with conditioning and reinforcement when really there is much to be learned from their simple day to day living.
May we be receptive to the lessons they teach.
