There is a old saying that goes "A dog is a [wo]man's best friend." After getting a puppy two years ago I have found that this could not be anymore true. While we get busy trying to keep our dogs from using the bathroom in the house and teaching them all sorts of tricks we are in fact learning things ourselves. So here is a list of ten of the most important lessons I have learned from my pup.
1. Enjoy the little things in life
It does not matter if you are drying your hair and they feel the heat from the hair dryer, or just going outside to use the bathroom: you can always count on your precious pup to be excited about it. They teach us the value of every moment, embracing it with a lot of slobber and joy.
2. Be open to everyone
In a world where everyone is becoming so cruel and heartless, my dog has taught me to be open to everyone. When someone walks in the door, your dog does not know who they are, or what they have been through: all they know is that they find something great within this person and they are excited to welcome them with a slobbery kiss.
3. Never turn down an opportunity
Whether this opportunity be to go for a car ride up the street or just to nap in front of the fire place, my pup has taught me to never turn down that opportunity. Always embrace them, enjoy them, and never neglect them.
4. Always remember where you came from
As a college student who is away for most the time, I can always count on my puppy to be super excited and happy to see me. It makes the ride home so much more enjoyable just because I know that when I get there I will be welcomed by my furry friend at the door.
5. Never hold a grudge
A grudge is defined as "resentment resulting from a past insult of injury." We, as humans, hold many grudges: some for when our heart was broken, some for those who have let us down, and multiple other reasons. But you're pup will never do this. They will never get angry when you forget to give them a treat after they use the bathroom outside or when you get mad at them because they made a mistake.
6. Always enjoy a day full of play
Dogs are always playing: whether that be running around the house, or playing tug a war with their favorite toy. Every day is an adventure for puppies. This is a good reminder for us, as humans, to get up and play everyday. Always try and make everyday fun.
7. Be loyal
You can say puppies always follow the Golden Rule of "treat others the way you want to be treated." Once a dog becomes yours: they love you, protect you, and always want to be with you. This is when the dog becauses your best friend.
8. Always go after you want
Because dogs can not speak or communicate like we can, they have to be upfront about what they want. If they need to go outside, or want to be played with they will let you know. Puppies don't expect you to read their minds, so why should we?
9. Be grateful for what you have
Puppies go through the same routine day after day, and they never once complain. They don't turn away from a bowl of food just because they had that yesterday. They don't turn away from going outside to use the bathroom because they just don't feel like it. They embrace every day while making the most of it.
10. Appreciate Nature
The wind in their fur. The smell of the roses...or better yet the taste as they dig in your flower bed. The chasing of butterflies. You can always count on puppies to appreciate the one thing we as humans take for granted, nature.
Now don't get me wrong, having a dog can be a chore and sometimes they make mistakes but it's their loving attitude and warm cuddles that make being a dog owner so much better.
