Dog: man's best friend. There's a reason we are drawn to these guys, and I'm convinced it's because they have so much to teach us.
1. Sniff it out.
Be curious! Check out everything. Ask questions. In doing so you’ll get to know new things and people in the quickest, least complicated manner. You may get your nose a little dirty, but you’ll learn something new in the process!
2. Don’t be too proud to beg.
Ask for what you want! Just like curiosity may make a mess, asking for what you want could result in a big, fat “NO!” Or it could result in a tasty treat, and that is well worth the risk.
3. Lick your wounds.
Okay, not literally. But it’s a good reminder to take care of yourself! We get too carried away in the way that other people can hurt us that we forget we have the power to heal ourselves. Give your own problems the same care and attention you would your loved ones. Dogs realize the importance of self-love - so should you!
4. Take care of your buddies.
I’m going to take it back to that whole licking your wounds thing. My pups lick my scrapes and cuts any chance they get. Even if I’ve just got a cold they will come lay next to me, making me aware that I'm not alone and well loved. They get up close and personal to ensure the well-being of their companion. It’s a fantastic metaphor for how much good and healing you can do for your friends when they’re down and out.
5. Be open to new friends.
Have you ever seen anyone get angry, sad, or scared when a dog greets them? No. If you have, well, maybe the dog was snarling... Dogs are pretty open to making new friends anywhere they go. They sniff things out, but they are unafraid of the consequences, and that’s fairly unusual for us people. We (often) like to keep a guard up when with new company. We should make it our goal to see the potential for a new companion!
6. Find time to play.
It’s a dog-eat-dog world, but that shouldn’t keep you from finding time to play! It’s important, not only for physical health, but mental health too! Go explore new trails, jump in the river, play Frisbee! Get your blood flowing and reap the benefits.
7. Stay loyal.
Dog owners know there’s no better feeling than coming home to their friend greeting them at the door, licking their face with excitement, and literally jumping with joy because they have missed you for the eight hours you’ve been gone. Then there’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot to feed them or maybe accidentally blocked the doggy door. Despite being hungry and (hopefully) holding their bladder all day, your dog is just happy to be with you, ready to love, and always loyal.
