Lessons I've learned from dogs I've loved
and there have been a lot
I have had dogs my entire life (minus a dark stage that lasted 3 years between my first and second dogs). I grew up with them in my house, in my friends’ houses, in my family members houses. As a child, my best friend and I knew which houses in the neighborhood had dogs and visited them frequently to walk their dogs- not for money- just because we wanted to (before you ask- yes, are STILL kicking ourselves today that we weren’t the ones to come up with Wag & Rover) and when people would ask what my favorite smell was I, confidently and without hesitation, would answer “wet dogs”. After college, I had a job at a doggy daycare (truly a dream come true), and then jumped on the Wag bandwagon as a dog walker, not to mention a word-of-mouth pet sitter/dog walker, and my parents’ permanent dog sitter.
So I guess you could probably infer that I am a massive dog lover- and you’d be 100% right! I can’t get enough of their wiggly butts, no matter their age, breed, or size! Sure, I have my preferences- hounds stole my heart at a very young age since my first pup was a beagle, I am partial to brachycephalics (see: smooshy-faced love bugs like Boston terriers, bulldogs, boxers) thanks to my family’s next two dogs, and I always had the tendency to gravitate towards labs (which was further instilled by pretty much every lab I ever met- but especially two exceptional yellow labs I grew up around)- but, no dog is left behind in my book. Even the little fluffy yip-yappers that I could take or leave; I won’t leave without at least giving them a few ear scratches!
But beyond the infinite puppy-dog hound eyes, snorts from the squishy-facers, and endless kisses and lethal tail wags from the labs- the thing I absolutely love the most about dogs is their endless supply of lessons they deliver- you just have to pay attention. In case you weren’t, here are my top 3 I’ve learned through the eyes of dogs I’ve been lucky enough to meet & love.
1. Always be ready. Car ride? Walk? Adventure? Outside? I’M ALL IN. No matter where the car ride is to, how long or short the walk or adventure might be, or if we are just taking some time to get fresh air outside- the dogs are always ready to partake. They are not only here for spontaneity, but their enthusiasm for it is contagious, not to mention their can-do attitude. Going outside your comfort zone? It’s alright, we’ll do it together.
2. Love hard and often. Whether it’s running full speed ahead for a bear (ahem, dog) hug, good morning kisses, that full-body wiggle/tail wag combo when you walk through the door, or calm snuggles when you both need it the most- that love is real, unconditional, and all the way turned up. Even you yelled at them earlier in the day- they’ve completely moved on, forgave you, and are ready to love you all over again. If we could take one page from these pups, I really think this one should be it. Love without limits, be kind, be there for each other- after all, we all need a cuddle every now and then.
3. We all make mistakes. It happens from time to time- I don’t care if you’re a young pup or seasoned veteran- mistakes happen. Whether it’s an accident, being too loud, snapping at a friend, or taking off when you’re just supposed to stay still… at the end of the day- they’re all forgivable. As humans, we forget this often and are too hard on ourselves when our “accidents” rear their ugly head. From now on, let’s follow in the canine lead and let that shit go.
The bottom line, my friends, is not only are dogs sweet baby Earth angels, but they’re here to show us the good that is right in front of our faces. They’re here to make us laugh, take us out of our own headspace if even just for a minute or two. Not to mention the fact that they are the consistent companion- the one who comes with zero judgement (more times than not) – that we all knew we needed.
So go ahead, grab a snack for yourself and your furry pal (because after all, there’s no such thing as too many treats), find the perfect spot to cuddle up together and love on that little wealth of knowledge in canine form.
- ec.from.cle
(Follow me on Instagram @ec.from.cle)
((Yeah, my dog also has an Instagram, because I’m THAT person. @Heyitsslate)
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from ec from cle and writers in Petlife and other communities.
"Don't You Miss Drinking?"
I guess the best way to start this is just to dive right in. My name’s Emily, I’m an alcoholic and I’m very open about it, which, to each their own it’s anonymous for a reason, I’m just not a good rule follower. I know for a fact that it catches people off guard when I offer up this little morsel about myself. How do I know? Because it’s usually followed by “really?!” (yes really, thanks for asking), or “Oh no you’re not!” (oh, but I am), or my favorite, “but you don’t look like an alcoholic!” (now tell me, what exactly does an alcoholic look like?).
By ec from cle3 years ago in Psyche
Unleashing the Extraordinary:
In the heart of every dog owner lies a treasure trove of stories that illuminate the extraordinary bond between humans and their four-legged companions. Among these tales, perhaps none are more captivating than those that showcase the remarkable intelligence of our canine friends. From the loyal Labrador to the cunning Border Collie, dogs have continually astounded us with their ability to learn, adapt, and connect with us on a deeply emotional level.
By Paul Johnson6 days ago in Petlife
1-week snake hunting journey in Laos
Today, I am heading to the mountain top in search of a rare viper species. This elusive creature has never crossed my path in the wild before. It is uncertain if any documented encounters exist. Among the fascinating discoveries is a peculiar mushroom variety that remains uncurled, resembling a needle sprayer as it descends from trees. Witnessing its endearing curling behavior is quite captivating. While my fear of heights hinders my movements, my children fearlessly explore the heights. A recent find of a snake and a carrot near a tree sparked intrigue. Engaging in training sessions brings forth a sense of joy and transformation, surrounded by a diverse array of well-protected wildlife. Each visit to Vietnam fuels the desire to learn and explore further. This expedition stands out as a remarkable journey. As I prepare to release the snakes captured for photography, a vehicle awaits to transport us to the 1000m summit, with the rest of the journey to be made on foot. The scheduled pick-up at 11 o'clock for the descent further adds to the adventure. The day's mission involves locating a green snake at Luc Nui, showcasing the region's unique wildlife. An enthusiastic call for assistance in capturing a green whip snake resonates. The audience is mesmerized by the sight of this non-venomous snake species. The biodiversity includes the German Brazilla with distinctive red eyes, contributing to an annual documentation project of around 600 animal species. The vivid descriptions of snake species and their transformations captivate the audience. Amidst the picturesque surroundings, handling and photographing the alluring green snake is a priority. Ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of the captured animals is crucial to maintain the authenticity of their natural state. The journey continues through the forest, capturing the essence of the surroundings and encountering various challenges like unstable wooden bridges. The subsequent exploration near a waterfall promises intriguing sights, despite the apprehension of the heights. The awe-inspiring nature of the landscape beckons further exploration, documenting the flora and fauna with reverence. Each discovery adds to the allure of the expedition, making it a memorable experience.
By Cavani Vnjp5 days ago in Petlife
The Business of Nature
Dew drops reflected the light of the sun. The inhabitants of Whispering Woods woke up to the golden droplets of water on the leaves of the flora. The oaks particularly enjoyed the light and the maples did, too. Happiness enveloped all who lived there, even the rocks that cried out in the night delighted in the morning.
By Skyler Saunders2 days ago in Fiction
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.