Although my dog can't speak to me using the English language, I realized years ago that there are ways other than speech to learn things if you just pay close enough attention.
Here are the eight most important things we can learn from our dogs.
1. There is no such thing as too many kisses.
Anywhere, anytime, dog kisses are the best kisses. I don't care how bad my dog's breath is, if he is willing to smooch I'm willing to receive. I've never been one for a whole lot of love in the morning until my dog came along. Good morning and goodnight licks are the only way to begin and end my day.
2. How to be a good parent.
You are totally one of those annoying parents who documents everything. Your camera is ready for all kinds of action from your canine, no matter how little it may be. Everything he/she does to make you laugh gets snapped, loaded onto Facebook and group texted to your family.
"Family, look at these 59 pictures of Buddy's face while he was sleeping."
You also care about the little things like catching up after a long day where all you thought about was each other. You need your dog to know how much you love it and during a fight you're the first one to apologize. The look your sweet, furry friend gives you after getting yelled at is heartbreaking.
Speaking of parenting...
3. You're a lunatic.
Your stress level is completely maxed out from loving your doggy so much. You monitor their heart beats, food intake, sleeping patterns and everything in between. You are the most paramount of psychopaths when it comes to your dog being ill, potentially ill or it's all-in-your head ill. The vet is on speed dial and knows you by name.
"Listen Bill, Max is tired but he's not yawning. There is something wrong with him. I don't care if it's Sunday at 3 AM, we have to save him." And just in case that doesn't pan out, the bookmarks on your computer are loaded with what to do in case of an emergency. You're ready to take on the mother/father role and you're doing a damn good job.
4. Sharing is caring.
If you're not the type of person to let your girlfriend have a bite of your dinner here and there, you should refrain from ever getting a dog. Our dogs are the Cameron Diaz's of "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle at the Food Edition." They creep into a room without a peep, wait for you to make the slightest moves with your eyes, dart into the bowl and instantly your Chinese takeout is gone with only their scent remaining.
Even though you're starving, you have to giggle because you're happy to share with your best friend.
5. Couples Costumes.
Don't lie, you do some pretty off-the-wall things with your dog but it's perfectly normal to you. You celebrate his/her birthday with a party even though they have no clue what that means so how much worse could a dog/owner couples costume be?
If you're afraid to admit you like to match your dog, think of it as a way to prepare yourself for future relationships. You weren't always on board with the tackiness of a couples costume, but now that you've explored and experienced, you're more open to ideas with a real human partner. Maybe just keep the photographs hidden.
6. The art of nicknames.
I honestly never believed I could be so creative until I began subconsciously calling my dog by names other than his own. Depending on the mood you're in, the nicknames change. Putting compound words together has become a strong suit. If you're hungry, he/she gets a sweet, sticky name like "Muffincakes" or "Peach Tea," and if you're tired he/she gets a peaceful name like "My Little Pillowcase."
The best part about the whole thing is they don't care. They go along with any name their given. After so long of knowing everything about each other, especially their understanding of who you are, their cue for something is in your voice, not in the name.
7. Nap time is the most important time.
"If you're napping...I'm napping." I think that's how Noah said it to Allie.
No matter what life is bringing your pup that day, all he/she cares about is a nap and you've learned to live life the way they do. They know that a dream or two and a snooze-a-roo will cure just about anything. They wake up well-rested, fresh and ready to run.
When they're stressed about puppy classes, they take a nap. When they're full, they take a nap...then, continue eating. When they just need a break from life, they take a nap, but most importantly, they want to nap with you and you with them.
8. Love.
Whoever said a mother's love is the most unconditional, purest of loves never had a dog. Erase that from history books, because it is a lie.
The love we feel as dog-owners is incredible. Not only did they teach us to profoundly love them, but also to love life and everything in it. No matter how old you are, we've learned to love playing in the snow or a lake, with a tennis ball or a sock, and to also appreciate the beauty of it all.
I once read something explaining that we may not get to have our dogs for our entire lives, but they get to have us for their entire lives, and it hit me hard. As mommy's and daddy's of dogs, we understand what it is to completely watch a life from beginning to end, and to me, the greatest thing you could offer that life is a whole hell of a lot of love.
