Happy National Dog Day! Whether you’re a new dog mom like me or you’ve been a puppy parent for a while now, there’s no better reason to celebrate man’s best friend than on a day dedicated for that very purpose. There are so many reasons to love dogs: They make us laugh, they keep us active, they help us maintain a healthy perspective, and they love us unconditionally. Dogs bring us both the simplest of pleasures and the most devout of friendships; they are the goofiest pals and the fiercest companions. Perhaps Rodger A. Caras says it best, “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
Whole, indeed.
In honor of National Dog Day – and our new pup, Fitz – I thought I’d dedicate this post to ten lessons I’ve learned from dogs over the years. Whether these learnings were imparted by Fitz, Cocoa, Lilly, Odin, El, or the other dogs I’ve loved throughout my life, I’ve learned many a valuable lesson from these four-legged gurus we could all benefit from embracing.
- Nothing beats a good meal: Or a bad meal for that matter. Or some random dried up worms on the sidewalk (if that’s your thing). Food is food is food. It’s all delicious. It’s all divine. And it’s all a gift meant to be celebrated, savored and – yes – devoured.
2. Always assume positive intent: Have you ever met a dog who’s like, “man, that person looks like an asshole!” No! You have not! And why? Because dogs view every encounter and interaction as an opportunity to meet their new best friend. We all need to approach life with open hearts and open minds: Wag your tail first and then reassess as needed once you’re eye-to-eye and can see what they’re all about.
3. Sometimes you just need to bite things: Or punch things. Or kick things. Or just let out a solid string of cuss words. Whatever your preferred method, remember it never hurts to (safely) let off a little steam. I’ve found that a long run or a strong adult beverage can do wonders.
4. Find joy in the unexpected: A chunky stick? An errant blade of grass? A fall leaf brazenly blowing by in the wind? It’s all amazing. It’s all awe-inspiring. It’s all incredibly stimulating and impossibly beautiful, if only we remind ourselves to look up, out, and around.
5. Life is one giant playground: You know the sticks, grass, and leaves I just mentioned? Well, they – along with everything else you could possibly imagine – comprise one deliciously expansive, infinitely intoxicating playground. Step outside your front door, open your mind to possibility, lose yourself in wonder, and suddenly anything is possible.
6. There’s nothing a little fresh air and a good poop can’t fix: Enough said. Tell me I’m wrong. I dare you. …You can’t, can you?
7. Your mom is THE best thing since sliced bread: This is either a humble brag about my caretaking skills for Fitz or a subtle kudos to my mom – you decide. Either way, it’s indisputable: Moms are great. Appreciate the heck out of them, and show them some well-deserved love.
8. You can tell a lot about people by sniffing their butts going with your gut: Just like dogs, most people are relatively easy to read. You just need to know what to look for. And you’ll know a good person when you meet them: They’re kind, they listen well, they show up for you unconditionally, and they probably definitely like dogs. When you find these people, scoop them up and keep them in your lives forever.
9. Cuddle your people and let them know you love them: Also enough said. We all need more oxytocin in our lives, so go hug, spoon, or cuddle it out with someone you love. Snuggles = therapy: You won’t regret it.
10. Today is a good day: Today. Tomorrow. The next day. It’s all new. It’s all good. It’s all full of endless opportunities and infinite ways to stretch, grow, and be surprised. Embrace it. Celebrate it. Live it: It’s yours for the taking.
So there they are, ten lessons I’ve learned from man’s best friend. They aren’t exhaustive, but they’re a start. Take them or leave them, but we could all use to wag more and bark less in this one, short, precious life we share.
So scoop up your cuddle buddy, set some priorities, and take a good long, hard look at how you want to live your life.
And then, go do it! After all, your dog believes you can.
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