21 life lessons we could learn from our dogs
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I am an unabashed dog lover, so when a dear friend sent me this little gem about the many life lessons we could learn from our dogs I knew I had to publish it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for him and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the gentle old fellow for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”
He said,”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The six-year-old continued, ”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth had stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live. It just might yours as well.
1. Live simply.
2. Love generously.
3. Care deeply.
4. Speak kindly.
5. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
6. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
7. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
8. Take naps.
9. Stretch before rising.
10. Run, romp, and play daily.
11. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
12. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
13. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
14. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
15. When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
16. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
17. Be loyal.
18. Never pretend to be something you’re not.
19. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
20. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
21. ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
The author of this little gem is unknown so I cannot offer attribution. Doubtless he or she has done us a great service. These are valuable life lessons that should never be forgotten.
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Nice. Also try to get into dry dirt spots, right when you get out of the bath and roll around in them so your servant has something else she needs to do on a Monday morning. I heard about this somewhere this morning, oh right, my own damn house. Forgot to do the bathing of little missy yesterday, did it this morning and as she was still wet, decided to go find the dustiest dust at the side of the house and proceeded to roll around in it. Nope, no second bath for her today, I am afraid I had other things needed done. It’s a good thing she is super cute, is all I am going to say about the matter.
‘She’s super cute’ – nuff said 😉
Yeah her and her little minion, the cat from hell Spiccoli, are always going to that side of the house where the dirtiest dirt is and rolling in it. When the cat does it, he knows a bath is coming, so he does try and avoid it but the dog, oh no she instigates things when he is outside I think.
Thank you from me, the wifey, Jacqui and Bumble x
I read this at the toughest moment in my day, and I smiled. Thanks.
I thought you might like this Carol.
Thanks Rachael. That’s my best buddy Barney, a chocolate lab.
Oh Mike!! How beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing, and that is one seriously cool doggie pic. A chocolate lab? Yours?