What I've learned from my dogs!

On this 4th anniversary of having to say goodbye to my sweet boxer dog Josie, I thought what better way to pay tribute than sharing a few things I've learned from our bond. I've learned a great deal about dogs, the lessons they offer on how life is intended to be lived and mostly about myself.

From dogs I've learned I had been doing it wrong for quite some time. As I rushed through life, getting to work at a job I was not passionate about and taking care of daily responsibilities, I seemed to have forgotten about simple joys and the feel good feelings. Through my relationship with these furry guys (which let me remind is built entirely in silence), I've somehow gained wisdom into the practice of patience, to care selflessly, to love unconditionally and to hone in on basic necessities that are crucial to live and achieve a life more grounded. Most importantly, I realized when you follow all things in love you live with purpose. Heck, I've decided to make it my life's work.

After diving into deep thought about dogs, how they behave overall, their daily rituals, etc., I wanted to share my thoughts. Join me on this curious exploration following my dog's life and the lessons I learned from a few of these points.

For starters, I find dogs are extremely instinctual and honest creatures.

They truly know how to take in only the feel good stuff. They do whatever, whenever, wherever and however they feel most comfortable. They never ask themselves why, don't care how silly they look or if somethings going to hurt your feelings. If it doesn't feel right, they don't want part of it.

They stretch before beginning their day and let out these huge sighs of breathe all throughout (meditation much?). They crave daily exercise, mental stimulation and never fret about extra winter LBs.

They are never afraid to express exactly how they feel. Whenever they are anxious, fearful or nervous, they go through it and then shake it off. If they get bored or aren't being stimulated, you'll surely become aware once you return home to find their destruction. When they are happy to see you, you are greeted by a full body wiggle, a wagging tail and maybe a few slobbery kisses. They won't hold a grudge and they know not every disagreement requires a bite when a bark will do. They don't let their ego keep them from knowing when to walk away from a tense situation.

When they've had a bad day, they just want to sit silently in support with the people who matter most and offer the same support to those who require comfort.

They stop to sniff the roses, lie in the grass on sunny days, romp in muddy puddles after the rain, throw themselves into piles of leaves in the fall and appreciate the powder following every snow storm.

They enjoy silently looking out of the window on a long car ride and letting the wind blow foolishly against their faces. They find pleasure in simply stopping to take in the present.

They don't discriminate or bully. You could have been a bait dog with only 3 legs, abandoned because you outgrew the puppy phase, you're a little older now with a bad case of halitosis or you come from a family with old molasses money. None of it matters and all are welcome into their pack.

Everyone has their way of handling and confronting situations of an aging and ailing pet. There is no rule book which truly helps us in our decision making when the time rears its ugly head. We merely try our best to ensure the best quality of life possible with the least bit of suffering. All the moments and years of blissful joy they impart on our lives makes this the least we can do, right?

What I learned most from my dog is that there is no amount of money, medicine or status that will fix what ailed her (my) aging body. Therefore, take full advantage of every breathe to guarantee a life most fulfilled and with purpose.

I've always heard from other's who shared their own stories that a dog will let you know when it's time and when they're ready to cross the rainbow bridge. After 12 years, I finally found this out firsthand for myself. Here's my best attempt to put into words what that experience was 4 years ago to this date.

After an entire week of watching my dog's health rapidly decline, on the final day I clearly recall sitting beside her on my livingroom floor. I was in tears as I just stared at her for some time while letting her know just how special she is and how much I loved her. As I sat quietly, she turns over, simply placed her muzzle on top of my knee and looked directly into my eyes. There were no words, simply more tears as I strongly understood in that very moment she was letting me know, she was ready. The very next afternoon my veterinarian took us in and we said our final goodbyes.

In having experienced this, I started to think about her life and dogs in general. I also began to self reflect.

I became extremely self aware and recognized I needed to follow my own instincts. I became more honest with myself and started to act according to that honesty. I started getting outdoors more, appreciating nature and living in the present. I began making time during my day to simply take in the day, to remember to breath and stop to smell some roses. I became more physically active, eating better and finally started to stretch before beginning my day (as opposed to rolling out of bed). I learned to no longer rush through life and find more patience. In this practice, I started to socialize more and remembered all that can be learned through conversations and experiences with strangers. For years running around on a busy commute to get into the office, I bypassed people and wonder how many opportunities I missed to connect. I began to express myself more and exercise more positive feel good vibes.

I realized that we cannot predict how long we will live or how we will go. However, if we do it like our dogs... I think we will be doing it right.

DISCLAIMER:

All data, information and/or content contained in this blog is for general informational purposes only. JoJo and KiKo Pet Services LLC. and Nancy Chan makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of any information contained on this blog and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, loss, injuries or damages arising from its display or use. Any reliance you place on the information contained in this blog is strictly at your own discretion. The blog post may contain topics or content related to health and safety. Any health, medical or safety matters should be discussed and consulted with your medical professional or professional trainer.