Almost everyone has heard the old expression that dogs are man’s best friend. As a passionate dog lover myself, I completely agree with this saying. However, after spending time with my dog this weekend, I have discovered that perhaps dogs are really man’s best teacher.
This weekend I went home to enjoy some quality rest and relaxation with my family; I also had the opportunity to closely observe my dog’s affectionate nature. After being away from my dog for a few months, I forgot how much I missed her comforting disposition, and I realized how many little lessons can be learned by spending time with her.
Last April my family rescued Lily, a 2-year-old Bichon Frise-Poodle mix, from the pound. My family and I were not certain if we were ready to adopt a new dog. Our first dog, a beloved Tibetan Terrier, had passed away from cancer just four months before, and we were still grieving his death.
However, our readiness to adopt a new dog quickly changed one warm spring Sunday when my parents decided to take an impromptu drive after church. While admiring the beautiful spring day, they happened to drive past the pound and decided to stop by for a few moments to play with the dogs.
Within 10 minutes, a precious and very underweight Bichon Frise who appeared desperate for a home immediately stole their hearts. It was love at first sight, and they knew they had to make her the newest member of our family. It was the Sunday before Easter, so we decided to name her Lily after the traditional Easter flower.
Within a few days of adopting Lily, I was astounded by how quickly she adapted to our family. All she wanted from us was a loving family and a place to call home, and in return she offered us her trust and her complete love. Since April, her love and trust for our family has continued to grow remarkably. Everyday she unknowingly teaches us new lessons on how to love unconditionally.
When I came home this past weekend, I was immediately greeted by her loving presence as she jumped into my arms and refused to leave my side for two days. I hadn’t seen her in months, and yet she was ecstatic to spend every moment with me. She became my little shadow, constantly showing her affection with kisses and cuddling.
After spending the weekend observing Lily, I find it amazing how an animal so tiny and precious can radiate love so infectiously. Her sweet and pure nature permits her to love without judgment, to befriend and love strangers, and to demonstrate gratitude for life’s most simple gifts.
It is quite impossible to be angry or upset with something so sweet and precious because all she really knows how to do is to love and be loved in return. I have discovered, after watching Lily intently this weekend, that I have so much to learn from her innocent and loving nature.
The first lesson I learned from Lily is to not sweat the small stuff. All Lily needs is a family, a place to call home and people who care for her. Lily and I aren’t too different in the grand scheme of things because we both have the same basic need for a caring family.
Whenever things don’t go quite Lily’s way (perhaps she didn’t get a second treat or she couldn’t find her dog bone), she moves on and focuses her attention on something else. Although my daily troubleshooting tasks are a little more complicated than Lily’s, her ability to move on and focus her attention on attaining a new goal is something I can absolutely learn from.
The second and most important lesson I learned from Lily is to give people second chances and see the potential for friendship in unlikely places. Lily never holds grudges, and seems to make friends wherever she goes.
Lily’s sweet charisma makes her a people magnet, and her genuine ability to forgive and forget is definitely something I can work on. It is only human to be angry with someone for something they did, but life is so much more enjoyable when grudges are forgotten. Lily demonstrates how petty it is to get fixated on the past. She has far too many friends to make and people to love in too little time.
Her ability to make friends wherever she goes is something I admire because her charismatic and loving disposition radiates, becoming infectious.
After spending the past few days with Lily, I have discovered how wise animals truly are. Her simple and affectionate nature is something that I admire and hope to emulate in my own life.
