Life Lessons I've Learned from My Dog

I learned many life lessons from my dog, and after losing him recently, I wanted to share that canine wisdom. I’m sure cats and other pets offer some of these same lessons as well. Our pets bring so much to our lives. 

Live in the moment.

Dogs seem to have an easy time living in the moment. They aren’t thinking about the next thing, or worrying about the past, but seem really content being in the present. Maybe if they had human brains they would get caught up in the past and future like we do, but I like to think we humans can cultivate more dog-like in the moment presence. 

Take naps.

My dog was a champion napper. As much as he liked to run and play, he loved to curl up on the couch, rest his head on a pillow or lounge in the sun in the middle of the day. I think we all could benefit from periods of rest mixed into our days.

Enjoy the simple things.

While my dog enjoyed adventures he also enjoyed the simple habits of our daily life. Every walk was a pleasure, every sniff was interesting. 

Have fun and be silly!

My dog was funny! He was playful with his toys, loved to be chased and had many funny doggie facial expressions. His playfulness was a reminder to cultivate my own ways of being playful.

Take life in stride.

When he didn’t feel good, he took it in stride, and still found joy in the simple pleasures of life. I’m reminded that it can be easy to want things to be different in our lives, but life feels easier when we can be content with what is. 

Love your people.

My dog loved his people so much. This reminds me to show and tell the people that I care for how I feel about them. 

What life lessons have you learned from your pet?