What My Dog Has Taught Me

I love my dogs. They have taught me so much about life, and they’ve made me a better person. My dogs have taught me unconditional love. My dogs love me no matter what. It doesn’t matter what possessions I have, or whether I am rich or poor, or I go out or stay home. All of that means nothing to a dog, they just love you. It’s like the Beatles song, “All You Need Is Love.” Love is all you need. If we humans would just love one another, there would be a lot less turmoil in the world. My dogs taught me to greet my loved ones every time they come home. How nice would it be to get a hug and a kiss from your spouse, and a “Welcome home, honey” after a difficult day? What would happen if you gave your kids a hug when they left for school, and when they returned? Affection goes a long way in relationships, we should take our dogs lead in that respect. Dogs live in the moment, and so should we. Worrying about what has happened in the past does nothing but cause stress. If you did something to hurt someone, apologize and move forward. If they hurt you, forgive them. This is what dogs do. They live in the moment and don’t dwell on what was or what will be. We cannot worry about what might happen in the future. Will I get the job, or will I be fired, or does that girl love me? What will be, will be. We cannot micromanage the future. Be happy and live in the moment – that is what my dogs have taught me. My dogs taught me to never pass up the opportunity for a joyride. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own little world. We work too much, go to the gym too much, and we go, go, go… The other day my wife called me while I was at work and asked if I would like to take the boys to a hockey game since our friends had extra tickets. My plan was to study that night, but I said “Yes.” Don’t pass up an opportunity to spend time with your kids. On their death bed, people always say, “I wish I had not worked so much and spent more time with my family.” Sad but true. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Be faithful. This is really a no-brainer but there seems to be a lot of divorce these days. It’s easy to walk away when something shiny and new comes along. Stay committed, work on your relationship, and be faithful to your loved ones. Dogs never tire of living with family, they are pack animals and they always want to spend time with us. The faithful dog will stay with you no matter what the latest crisis. When someone is having a bad day, stay close, be silent, and nuzzle them gently. When people are having a bad time emotionally, nothing you say can make them feel better. Actions tend to speak stronger than words. Time heals, so be a friend and support them. Be out in Nature – its God’s way of healing us. Dogs love to run, explore, sniff, or just lie in the shade. My dog enjoys lying on our back step and keeping an eye on the woods as a cool breeze glides past. Dogs love being outdoors. Nature has a way of recharging the batteries. There is nothing better than hiking in the woods, or sitting and watching the sunset, or playing on the beach. Our last adventure was at Kirk Park where there are trails to the beach, and a dog beach. It was fall and no one was there so we sat and listened to the waves crashing onto the sand. Peaceful serenity. If we all could take our dog’s lead, I think we would all be a lot happier. Give us a call at Adams K-9 Training and Kennels. Love your dog, love your dog’s behavior.