We get so busy with life.

There are always places to go, people to see and work to do. Whether you're already set in a career or figuring out what you're doing with life, the little things tend to go by the wayside. With deadlines and commitments fast approaching from all sides, the only reasonable ways to spend your time are the obligatory tasks looming at the top of your to-do list. We seem to have reached a point where enjoying being alive sits at the very bottom of that ever-growing list. It's interesting how the laborious tasks of home-decorating, lawn improvement and other aspects of household management often take the place of actually enjoying the decorations you've hung and the new flowers you've planted.

For many people, that includes the care and keeping of a pet dog. You may make sure to feed it every day, take it to training once a week and ensure that it gets out to relieve itself often enough, but how often do you enjoy your beloved pet for what it is? Not only should we enjoy these hilarious and loving creatures, but there's actually quite a bit we can learn from them in the midst of our busy lives. Here's a few things I have learned from my loving canine friend:

1. Don't take things too seriously: Life is stressful. Sometimes Mom leaves for a few hours on end and it's horrible, but my sweet dog never holds a grudge over it. Things happen. Plans change. People mess up. Instead of being mad at them for experiencing the difficulties of life, greet them with enthusiasm when you meet again. Enjoy them for who they are in the moment you're in. Forget the past.

2. Find enjoyment, no matter the weather: Yeah, just like anyone, my dog, Kennedy, loves when the weather is good. She enjoys chasing the squirrels and birds. She doesn't have to worry about being too cold or hot on those perfect spring days, and there's always fun to find. Nevertheless, she doesn't only enjoy the outdoors on perfect days. No, Kennedy finds something to enjoy no matter the weather. If it's cold and rainy, that's the perfect time to go find some mud to splash around in. If it's hot, there's nothing better than some cold hose water or the cool tile floor once we make it back inside. Rain or shine, she'll always play ball. Believe it or not, us humans are capable of that too. Gloomy days may bring you down, but there's a plethora of things to enjoy, indoors and out, if only we focus on good things rather than the bad.

3. Cuddle a lot: Whenever I'm home from college, I can't get her off of me. If she's not splayed out next to me in bed, she's in my face on the couch ensuring that I don't forget her existence for even a moment. The moral of the story is this: no matter if you have a significant other or not, human contact is important to everyone, even if you're not super into hugging. So, no matter where you are in life, make sure you have someone to hug. If you've just moved to a new city with a new job or school, make close friends; they're an important part of life. Everyone needs companions to go on adventures with and to comfort them after long, hard days.

4. Don't be afraid to be messy: A good number of us humans are obsessed with cleanliness, which is fine to an extent. No, it's not good to live in total disarray with things all over the place. That's stressful and, in many cases, unhealthy. However, many of us get hyper-paranoid about cleanliness. If everything is not in it's perfect place in every moment, we mentally break down. Everything becomes a chore because, even if you're making cookies, painting a picture frame or having a house party, you are constantly aware of the fact that things are getting dirty and will be in need of cleaning, either in the moment or after the fact. Kennedy has taught me to enjoy those messy moments. Mud isn't a ton of fun for her when it's matted in her fur and trickling into her eyes, but it sure is a blast when she's splashing around in it. She doesn't worry about cleaning it out of her fur later, she knows it will be taken care of. She enjoys the moment. So, I say, make a mess while baking. Let the flour fly and view the explosion in the kitchen with satisfaction when all is said and done. Yeah, it's gotta be cleaned up eventually, but where's the reward in cleaning if you never allow yourself to enjoy the mess in the first place?

5. Enjoy your loved ones as though you may never see them again: There are no guarantees in life. People pass in and out of existence every second of every day, some tragically and some peacefully. Either way, waiting for someone to become old and frail to be aware that they may not be here tomorrow is a recipe for regret. Be present where you're at. Don't be sucked into your phone when you're out to dinner with your best friends. Dogs are experts at this. They enjoy the smells and the feelings of every moment. They greet their loved ones with enthusiasm the moment they walk in the door. Every moment with dear friends is cause for celebration simply because those moments exist. Value the people and the time that you have because there is no guarantee you'll have any of it tomorrow.

Every day I learn more from my beautiful baby girl. My dog is precious to me because of her companionship and pure love of life. She reminds me to lighten up and to find joy in every moment. Because of her, I know that this world would be a sad home if I didn't take some time out of every day to live like a dog.