The Dog Days Aren’t So Bad

We have not given our dogs enough credit for showing us every day the way that we should be living our lives. Until the very end, dogs have it figured out. And yet, we mostly look at them as our cute little buddies instead of as great teachers in the way of life. Perhaps it is because we have a hard time following the lead of those who regularly make messes on carpet or bark at the wind as if it could hear their mighty woof.

But dogs don’t work more than they have to. When they have energy, they move. When they thirst, they drink. And aside from feeding time or outside time, where will you find your dogs? Lounging. Resting as if they’ve worked a long day of labor and hardship, when truly all they’re resting from is all their rest.

Does that make a dog lazy? Why would it? What else should that dog be doing that it hasn’t taken care of? When a dog does have a responsibility, without question that duty will be done. It’s the reason dogs release woof at the world, to protect and alert you. It’s the reason we ask dogs to be good boys and girls as service animals, because when you train them to help you, they help you. It’s the reason if you tell a dog to sit, they sit - just remember to give them a treat when they do.

When you get right down to it, a dog’s ability to work hard is why they are man’s best friends: Our two species are bonded thanks to the loyalty and service of dogs to our ancestors. You can see that dogs take pride in doing a good job, and they treat it as a gift to serve their people. But when the hard work is done, dogs enjoy their leisure. So should we.

A stroll outside is free to all who are able. And what is one word that most of our dogs will truly beam with enthusiasm when they hear it? I dare not say it, because I would rather not tease any dogs who are reading this. Whether it’s around your neighborhood, a park, or anywhere around the globe, the simplicity and satisfaction of fresh air and sunshine is unspeakably refreshing. Look at how much joy a dog gets from the sights and smells of the world around them. We’re often so distracted by our dogs on a walk that we forget to follow their lead, and take a look around. And no, you don’t need to sniff every blade of grass to appreciate the smells of nature.

Dogs get it. It’s good to w-a-l-k.

When they aren’t helping you, or resting, or eating, or attending to some business in the yard, what are they doing? Loving you with all of their heart. You are their life. Looking you in the eye, hugging up against you, begging for pets and treats and playtime. A dog is the most loyal friend you will ever know. So often we look at this friend whom we love just as immensely, but we don’t learn the lessons they teach us every day.

Yes, we should appreciate our dogs for how much they love us. Beyond that, though, we should see their good example and replicate it to our own friends, family, and loved ones. Show them you love them, be there for them, and appreciate every moment you have with them because you don’t know which moment might be the last. If it is the last, leave them feeling warm when they remember you. And if they walk back in the door after what felt like forever, don’t hide your excitement. Don’t hide your love.

Live like a dog, and you will live a happy life. Do your duty to those around you and help those who need it. Your duties include your job, your obligation to friends and family, or being a good neighbor when the opportunity presents itself. When your duties are done, take time for your body and soul. It doesn’t have to be a walk - there, I said it - but find what livens your soul and make time for it every single day. If it happens to move your body too, even better. And when that’s done, surround yourself with the people you love, and don’t let them forget it. Last but not least, remember to get plenty of rest, because you deserve it.

We do not have every freedom in life that we provide for our dogs, this is true. We have to leave the house, pay for things (often things for our dogs), and can’t afford to spend so much of our days sleeping and playing. But we can make time to try. We deserve to try. Trying is the first step to succeeding at anything. And after some effort, and some slowing down, the habit might hold. Once the habits are established, you too, can live like a dog in the best ways. You can start today.