5 Important Life Lessons I Learned From My Dog

 Yesterday was August 26th, International Dog Day, (which is kinda everyday in my house) and as I was walking my dog last night a revelation struck me. I have learned so much from my dog. I've only had Roxy for a little over two years, but I cannot imagine my life without her. She brings so much joy, excitement, and energy to my everyday life. Sometimes I think that dogs really have figured out the key to life, and here's five reasons why:

1. They know how to celebrate the little things. 

From walks, to cars rides, to a tasty snack, my dog acts like these things are the greatest rewards in the world! Most of us take the little pleasures in life for granted. We're too concerned with making money to buy  a new car, the latest iphone, or even just preoccupied with what we're doing this weekend to enjoy the every day moments of life. My dog sniffs the grass like she is sniffing a fine wine. She treats car rides like kids treat a trip to Disney World, with unabashed excitement and fervor. We should all remember to stop and marvel at the world around us, the blooming flowers, a sunset, a smile from a child, or the wag of my dog's tail when she's happy...celebrating the little things, my dog has that on lock.



2. They know how to show love. 

My dog loves me, I know this without question. She shows me all the time, everyday. It's pretty awesome to come home to a classic Roxy greeting. This consists of a lot of tail wagging, a toy in her mouth ready to play, a circle or two, and if I'm really lucky maybe a kiss and a hug. I wish we could all show our feelings as openly and freely as my dog does. Dogs aren't afraid of rejection, nor do they withhold their love when they are unhappy with you (that's more of a cat thing). Dogs love without prejudice, Roxy loves all my friends (and most strangers) she meets. You have to give her a reason not to like you, until then she'll love you unreservedly. The world would be a much greater place to live in if we could all love like dogs love.

3. They realize the importance of sleep. 

It's no secret that dogs love to sleep......a lot! I hate the saying, "I'll sleep when I'm dead", how about sleep so you can live! We often underestimate how important a proper nights sleep is to our body, minds, and overall well being. Most of us walk around half asleep all day in a zombie-like state using stimulants like caffeine or sugar to keep us going because we've chosen to stay up much later than we should have. Did we really need to watch that late night t.v. show? Or play one more video game? I'm not saying sleep 18 hours a day (like my dog), but get sleep. lots of it, trust me on this one. 

4. They eat clean and simple food.

Now I should clarify that not all dogs eat well, many of them are spoiled by their owners (present company included) and fed all sorts of unhealthy human food. However, most vets will agree that dogs are healthiest when they are fed simple dog foods with limited ingredients and fillers. Personally I feed my dog Orijen, it's a Canadian brand dog food that boasts that is 80%  saltwater and freshwater fish, 20% fruits, vegetables and botanicals, and 0% grains (aka fillers). It's expensive, but it's worth it! My dog loves it, and it keeps her strong and her coat shiny. 

It's no secret that you are what you eat, and a proper dog's diet consisting of meat and veggies, and water to drink provides all the nutrients, vitamins, and proteins that they need. So why do we humans stuff ourselves with garbage fast food, cookies, ice cream, soda, and the like? Sure it makes us feel great temporarily, but what about an hour later? Junk food makes us feel bloated, tired, irritable, and generally lazy. If we choose to eat clean, pure, healthy REAL food that's exactly how we are going to feel- clean, pure, healthy and real!!!! If you want more info on Orijen dog food, check out their website here: http://www.orijen.ca/foods/dog-food/?lang=us

5. They live in the moment.

Do you think your dog sits around all day thinking about their past regrets? Do you think your dog lies in bed awake all night worrying about her future? Think again. Dogs have mastered being in the now state. This means that your dog is able to live in the present moment, and enjoy it fully. Any actor will tell you that working with a dog in a scene is a nightmare. This is because dogs are so real and so "in the moment" that they make actors look fake, and contrived. Dogs know how to act and react as things are happening, it is amazing and captivating to watch. How can any actor compete against the real deal? I find us humans waste so much time living in the past or future that we never really fully enjoy the present. So my advice is watch your dog, do what they do, focus on the sights, sounds, feelings and people around you. Stop worrying about things we cannot control, or lamenting about things that could have been. All we can control is the here and now.

This is how my dog Roxy acts every time I walk through the door. Whether it is 5 minutes or 5 hours.