Owning a dog is an absolutely incredible experience. Your dog is always by your side, wagging its tail and being your favorite little companion. We devote our time to feeding them, bathing them, training them and unconditionally loving them and in return we get happy smiles, the best lickey-kisses and the endless eternal gratefulness. One of the most important aspects of owning a dog is the lesson that we can potentially learn from our four-legged friend that, if we listen to, will grant us forever happiness.
1. Greet Everyone with love and excitement
When dogs meet someone they do not see race, judge religion or that tattoo sleeve covering ones’ arm. A dog never fails to greet someone enthusiastically with a wagging tail. Notice how every time you get home your dog is at the door acting as if they have not seen you in years. We should learn from dogs and meet everyone with new and accepting eyes. Look on what is on the inside of the people instead of what is on the out. Take advantage of the time you have with people because life is valuable and you never know when that time will change. Be excited about your family, friends and the strangers you pass everyday because if we live life like our dogs do we will live united.
2. Live Fully and Adventurously
To a dog, everything is an adventure and opportunity. When you take your dog on a walk notice how their nose is constantly twitching, smelling the earth and acting as if that flower is the greatest thing that has ever grown. Your dog will eat every last bit of food, chase every ball thrown and is always down for that short car ride around town. We should learn from their go-with-the-flow personality and dive head first in to the things we do with excitement. We should work hard and play harder but love every minute of both. Life is to short to hold back but to long to not try and love everything.
3. Forgive
Have you ever gotten on to your dog for doing something wrong and then less than 10 minutes later you and your fur-baby are cuddling on the couch? Dogs aren’t creatures to dwell on their problems or hold grudges against people. They quickly move on because they know that true love is unconditional. We would become better family members, friends and lovers if we took this valuable lesson to heart. Don’t let your problems weigh you down and make you unhappy. When you’re upset with someone remember to try and see their side. Holding a grudge can be detrimental to a relationship and ultimately cause a bigger problem. Like a dog, don’t bring back the past or try to foresee the future. Instead, try to forgive, work together and love the best qualities in your pack mates.
4. Live Simple and Grateful
Dogs don’t have to have much to be happy. They are happy with a place to eat, a place to sleep and a person to play with. They’re happy because of love and not because of stuff. They’re simple creatures with a big heart that are just grateful for life (and belly-scratches of course). We need to learn from that gratefulness that dogs seem to be born with because in order to be happy it is vital to show gratitude. You do not have to have the same or more than the people around you. Don’t fret over what you don’t have or you’ll live in envy and with unhappiness. Be grateful towards what you do have and you will find yourself happy and content with your life.
