If you know me, you know that I am obsessed with dogs (please refer to my bio). I mean, I love them. So much. I follow countless dog Instagram accounts, I regularly ask my siblings for updates on our pooch, Rex, and I will shamelessly pet any canine I encounter on the wild streets of Kirksville. If you still don't believe me, get this: I was at the beach last summer with Rex when he foolishly decided he would take a leak in the hot sand. He started crying because it was burning his paws, so I picked him up (thinking he was finished), but he just continued peeing all over me. And I did not put him down. Why, you ask, would someone be so crazy as to let a dog urinate on them? Well, you poor soul who clearly does not love dogs enough, it's because I love dogs. So. Much.
Still, I believe this slight obsession—this truly deep devotion—has taught me some very valuable life lessons, which I have decided to share with you all. Yes, I love dogs because they're adorable and fluffy, but I also think we can learn a few things from them. Here are the top three:
1. Don't hide your love.
If you have a dog, you probably know how it feels to be greeted at the door after you've been gone for a while. In my case, Rex loves my mom more than life itself. When she gets home, even just from work, he literally sobs tears of joy and follows her around the house to make sure she won't leave again. That is a dramatic example, but I think there's something to be said for not hiding your feelings. I think we could all try to be more loving and open with our feelings. If we love someone, we should show them. If we are sad, we shouldn't be afraid to just be sad. If we're excited about something, let's be excited!
2. Embrace the goofiness.
My dog is the weirdest dog I have ever met. He tries to sneak attack his own tail. When he's chasing a rabbit, he bunny hops (which significantly slows him down). He compulsively licks his own paws. Yet sweet Rex knows no shame, because he is a dog and dogs just do not care. And I think that to some extent, that's a good thing. If we're feeling weird, let's just stop worrying and be weird.
3. Be mindful.
Dogs live in the moment. They don't spend their days stressing about trivial things or worrying about that one embarrassing time they fell in front of everyone during passing period back in the sixth grade. They simply live in the moment, and I think that's pretty beautiful.
man running in forestPhoto by 
