5 Life Lessons I Learned from my Dog

Photo by Pauline Loroy

The goodest boy is also the goodest teacher.

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1: Just Because You’re Nice, Doesn’t Mean You Always Feel Sociable

M. can be one of the friendliest pups around. He really is very affectionate, curious, and at times, even a bit protective of me. That said, just because he looks like a snuggle muffin, doesn’t mean he’s always in the mood to be social.
I low-key respect his boundaries when it comes to strangers. While he won’t growl, or snap, he will make it very clear that it’s time to shut it down, and keep it moving.
He’ll say ‘Hi’ but he’s not trying to kiki if he’s not in the mood.
Respect.

2: Silence is a chance for meditation

I think M. hates people playing with our doorbell more than I do. In fact, I think all noise sorta gets on his nerves. Totes relatable.
The way his body relaxes in silence is a reminder to feel grateful for peace and quiet myself. It’s almost as if once the background noise stops, he starts his own form of meditation.
Honestly, it’s the sigh for me. That sweet exhale he gives and the fact that his eyes close almost immediately. OM, indeed, bud.

3: Ask for affection when you want it. Ain’t no shame!

M. will literally knock my phone out of my hands when he wants a rub, and fair, I get it. He can’t speak in words, but he has learned how to communicate. I think we as humans often assume that since we have superior communication abilities that people can simply read our minds; that people around us can decipher our wants without us having to actually say anything. Wrong. Thanks for that lesson, M.

4: It’s OK to play with your food

Give M. a treat, and watch him play with it for a smooth 3-10 minutes… depending on his mood of course. I love that for him! Not only because I love food, but because it’s a reminder that food is more than a physiological imperative: it’s also pleasurable.

5: When you love someone, you don’t need to constantly earn that love

I once waited for 1hr in a snowstorm, outside on a park bench, while M. was getting a haircut. I go out in the pouring rain, and stand patiently waiting for M. to take a poo. Then I pick it up like a lil punk, and wipe his paws clean when we get back home.
I love him.
And the thing is: he doesn’t pay any bills, his hair gets all over my house, my clothes, my everything, he’s barky some times and my love for him doesn’t falter.
He’s taught me that love shouldn’t be used as currency. It’s something you give freely.
Love is a verb.
He shows love in his own way, and I do the same. We do our best daily.
But one thing we never do is withhold our love from one another, because that’s cruel and life is too short to pretend to be mad when you could just as easily be covered in (puppy) kisses.

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