5 Important Life Lessons I Learned From My Dog
More than just man’s best friend
Our son has been campaigning for our family to adopt a dog for a long time. I must admit that we are weakening. I’ve always loved dogs, and I recall my beloved childhood pals as well as my desperate desire for my canine companion.
Furthermore, he is an active child who enjoys being outside, and he is an only child with no children his age living nearby, so a dog could be an excellent playmate and friend.
But, in my heart, I know it’s simply too soon for me to open my heart to another dog. It’s only been a year since I lost my beloved beagle “Patches”, and I’m still heartbroken. Friends have advised me to get another dog, but I find that rather cruel.
Yes, I will eventually adopt another dog to join our family, just as many people remarry or have children, but I am still grieving Patches’ death.
She was a special dog, and she was a big part of my life. Patches joined our family during our first year of marriage, more than a decade before our son arrived, and moved with us from Minnesota to South Dakota.
She was the sweetest, most loving dog you could imagine, but she was a beagle, and we all know that’s in their nature. My wife used to take her in the car with her everywhere when she was younger, and despite her laziness, she loved to ride. But I always thought it made her a better dog because she didn’t want to waste a step.
She was such a pleasant dog that my wife said she was the best dog she’d ever had; she was eager to please and a joy to train. She grew weaker and struggled with many health issues in her final years, but she remained loving and uncomplaining. It was difficult for us to watch her decline, and I dreaded having to make a decision, but she eventually made that decision on her own.
Despite knowing her death was imminent for months, it was still extremely difficult to say goodbye. It was even more difficult to realize that the world has one fewer gentle hearts and one fewer being who loves me.
But the lessons she taught me still live on. I started thinking that there were some important lessons I learned from that dog. Being a pet owner can teach you a lot, and the lessons begin the day your furry family member enters your life and continue long after you say your final goodbye.
My dog was a far better person than I could ever hope to be in many ways. Here are 5 things she taught me.
Stay in touch with your loved ones
And I mean really connected! Every pet owner understands what I mean. We humans don’t interact with one another nearly enough. Sure, we cuddle our babies and fondle our new lovers, but there comes a point in every relationship when kisses become perfunctory farewells and hugs are sparingly given.
Dogs understand that a simple touch from someone they care about can improve any situation and, in some cases, make all the difference in the world. They appreciate the wonder and magic of a kiss (or lick) simply because they love you and understand that sitting close enough to touch frequently can sometimes keep the cold, nights at bay.
Never overlook the chance for a nap
While most of us can’t fit in the 20 hours of sleep that dogs do, we could all benefit from some downtime to relax and rejuvenate. Few of us get enough sleep, and many of us survive on far less sleep than is truly necessary. This is no way to live, much less thrive.
Rolling on your back and letting your tongue loll out is how your dog relaxes. You’d be surprised at how good it feels. Dogs understand that sleep should be at the top of your priority list, certainly higher than laundry and cleaning, but not higher than any food related activity. Allow yourself some downtime and you will feel better for it.
Jealousy is a waste of time
It would have been understandable if our dog had taken a dislike to our newborn right away. After all, she had been the family’s “baby” for the previous 11 years. More than that, my wife had been very sick for nine months of her pregnancy, and she had been her constant companion on the couch and in bed.
That was suddenly over, and there was little time for grooming, walks, or cuddling. Our entire focus was on someone else. Jealous? Not with Patches. She instantly bonded with the little screamer, even though we didn’t let her get too close while we figured out what was going on.
She was better than any baby monitor because she would come to find us at the first sign of movement or distress. She was the best nursemaid because she carefully investigated any visitors who approached the baby and always slept by his bed to keep an eye out for intruders and to be alert to his every need.
She was the epitome of patience with all his hair-gripping, lip-tugging, ear-pulling explorations as the baby grew and became more mobile. She was his guardian angel, playmate, and furry walker, and she loved it all.
The best toys are found not bought
A pricey squeaky toy? Shredded in seconds. What is a knuckleball? I got lost in the bushes. What’s a rubber bone? Under the couch. A frisbee discovered by the side of the road? Played with every day and carefully stowed on the bed when not in use. Someone’s hand? Countless opportunities for play.
Dogs and young children teach us a valuable lesson about giving. Your time and attention are the most valuable gifts you can give, and with a little imagination and energy, you don’t even need any toys, let alone expensive electronic gadgets.
You are never too old to play
Patches’ mobility was hampered by arthritis and muscular atrophy, but she still loves to wrestle and will romp for a short time. Although she can’t run around and play fetch for hours like she used to, she still wants to be in the thick of things and participate as much as she can.
We humans forget that the need for play and fellowship does not go away when we grow up. It is impossible to be too old to play. Perhaps we should reconsider our game and venue, but no matter our age, we should be able to participate in the fun!
Final Thoughts
What lessons has your dog taught you? What role does your dog play in your home? That dog had taught me more than I will ever know. Rest in peace Patches.
