I love animals, which is one of the reasons why I’m a vegetarian. My home is alive with my four-legged family of two dogs and two cats. We also have fish in a tank and are planning on birds in a big walk-in aviary one day. If I could, I’d include rabbits, goats, cows and many other animals. But I’m digressing… It struck me recently that there is so much we people can learn from animals that would make life easier and happier. So, here’s my take on 5 things we can learn from dogs.
Our dog Sandy (photo taken roughly a year ago)
1) Be loyal
If you take good care of a dog—sometimes even if you don’t—it won’t leave your side until it dies and will even remember and mourn for you after you have died. This life-long loyalty is something that is now few and far between in humans. Whether it be friends or partners, people tend to forget that they form connections not for the here and now but to last a long time. If we act like dogs and offer loyalty, we make the person feel appreciated and will often get loyalty in return.
2) Be thankful
It’s enough to show a dog the tiniest bit of love or give it attention, and it will never forget. If you have ever fed a stray dog, petted a stranger’s or a friend’s four-legged companion or adopted a rescue dog, then you will understand what I’m talking about. People, on the other hand, forget to be grateful. They aren’t content with what they have, they don’t stop to thank people for help, and they don’t appreciate the little joys life brings their way. Even when times are rough, we should take a moment to say thanks for something positive that has happened. Don’t take help for granted and don’t believe that everybody is as lucky as you. Be thankful—not only on Thanksgiving Day.
3) Take it easy
Dogs know how to chill. They’re not prone to complaining. If it’s hot, they’ll sleep. If it’s cold, they’ll sleep. They’re eager to get your attention and affection, but they don’t bother with people who are clearly not dog-friendly. Rather than stressing and obsessing about what is out of their reach and control, dogs give themselves a break and find something that cheers them up. In a world where most of the troubles are only in our head or increased by our attitude, that seems perfect inspiration.
4) Live simply
Don’t make your life so complicated that happiness is hard to find. Enjoy what you get, make the most of what you have and don’t be too strict on yourself. Dogs don’t need or want a diamond-studded collar or a thousand-dollar trip to the doggie spa in order to be happy. As a dog is content with a full stomach, some TLC and a warm, soft place to sleep or maybe a toy, we can draw strength and joy from the simple things in life.
5) Be confident
A dog knows when to bark, growl, intimidate or even bite, and when not to. Dogs come with natural confidence and instincts that help them fight their way through life. We, on the other hand, are prone to suffering from inferiority complexes. We are afraid to fully live, to show our worth or to take a firm stand when necessary. Like a dog, it would be much better to be aware of our limits and show other people their limits before it’s too late. If we let others know when they’ve invaded our territory (without tearing their throat off immediately), conflict and suffering can be avoided.
If you take good care of a dog—sometimes even if you don’t—it won’t leave your side until it dies and will even remember and mourn for you after you have died. This life-long loyalty is something that is now few and far between in humans. Whether it be friends or partners, people tend to forget that they form connections not for the here and now but to last a long time. If we act like dogs and offer loyalty, we make the person feel appreciated and will often get loyalty in return.
2) Be thankful
It’s enough to show a dog the tiniest bit of love or give it attention, and it will never forget. If you have ever fed a stray dog, petted a stranger’s or a friend’s four-legged companion or adopted a rescue dog, then you will understand what I’m talking about. People, on the other hand, forget to be grateful. They aren’t content with what they have, they don’t stop to thank people for help, and they don’t appreciate the little joys life brings their way. Even when times are rough, we should take a moment to say thanks for something positive that has happened. Don’t take help for granted and don’t believe that everybody is as lucky as you. Be thankful—not only on Thanksgiving Day.
3) Take it easy
Dogs know how to chill. They’re not prone to complaining. If it’s hot, they’ll sleep. If it’s cold, they’ll sleep. They’re eager to get your attention and affection, but they don’t bother with people who are clearly not dog-friendly. Rather than stressing and obsessing about what is out of their reach and control, dogs give themselves a break and find something that cheers them up. In a world where most of the troubles are only in our head or increased by our attitude, that seems perfect inspiration.
4) Live simply
Don’t make your life so complicated that happiness is hard to find. Enjoy what you get, make the most of what you have and don’t be too strict on yourself. Dogs don’t need or want a diamond-studded collar or a thousand-dollar trip to the doggie spa in order to be happy. As a dog is content with a full stomach, some TLC and a warm, soft place to sleep or maybe a toy, we can draw strength and joy from the simple things in life.
5) Be confident
A dog knows when to bark, growl, intimidate or even bite, and when not to. Dogs come with natural confidence and instincts that help them fight their way through life. We, on the other hand, are prone to suffering from inferiority complexes. We are afraid to fully live, to show our worth or to take a firm stand when necessary. Like a dog, it would be much better to be aware of our limits and show other people their limits before it’s too late. If we let others know when they’ve invaded our territory (without tearing their throat off immediately), conflict and suffering can be avoided.
Our dog Tony (who's been with us more than 12 years)
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