Our family dog, Aussie, turned one this summer.
We got him a cake, a balloon, and a new toy. Needless to say, he was very pleased and so were we.
I’ve become a happier person since we got our puppy. Of course, there have been days when he’s been difficult, but it’s been worth it.
Here are three powerful life lessons I’ve learned from my dog in the past year.
1. Dogs help us live in the present moment.
Aussie doesn’t worry about what’s going to happen tomorrow, next week or in a year from now. Instead, he wags his tail and lives from moment to moment, like a true mindfulness master. He’s a constant source of inspiration!
Dogs make us happier because they remind us to be present. In short, they give us a break from our future worries and all the negative chatter.
2. Dogs encourage us to come out and play.
Aussie loves to play with anything he can get his paws and jaws on. You don’t need much: in fact, a ball or a twig is enough to get him excited.
His enthusiasm is contagious; I can’t say no to those cute eyes.
(Just take a look at the featured image above. He’s much bigger now, but equally adorable.)
Having fun is such an important part of our lives, but we tend to overlook it. We take ourselves too seriously.
Dogs make us happier because they tease out our inner child. They encourage us to come out and play, which is such a wonderful gift.
3. Dogs teach us about unconditional love.
I was lying on the couch the other day when Aussie walked up to me and licked my face. He wanted to let me know how much he liked me.
Dogs never fail to express their love for the people around them. They communicate their feelings of gratitude and appreciation. Every day of the year. No exception.
How often do we show random acts of love? My guess is we could do better. Much better. Now is the best time to express your gratitude.
A dog’s purpose
I am truly grateful for our dog Aussie. Every day, he helps me to live in the present moment, have fun, and show my appreciation to those around me. No wonder a dog is a man’s best friend.
Do you have any pets (dead or alive) that have taught you valuable life lessons? Let us know in the comments!
So true! What I most admired in my dog Sheila (who died four years ago) was how much she lived in the present. Sheila’s pure joy of life when she held her nose out of the window of a driving car, when she jumped into a lake in full speed or when she tried to catch a twig I threw her – her happiness was simply contagious! I think we should all try to live a bit more like Sheila and Aussie… 😉
Thank you so much for your comment, Sarina! Agreed, we could all benefit from living a bit more like Sheila and Aussie 😉