My dog is my person. She is the first thing I wake up to in the morning and the last thing I see before I go to sleep. She will undoubtedly be in my wedding and I wouldn’t want it any other way. It’s crazy how someone who says so little can teach you so much.
1. A simple life is a good life.
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Don’t think too much. If you want something, get it. If you’re sorry, say it. If you’re happy, show it. Too much of our lives are spent contemplating our next move. Live in the moment.
2. Age is just a number.
Never get too old to play in the rain.
3. So is time.
Wake up early. Stay up late. Change your routine every once in a while.
4. Be patient.
If my puppy can sit on the stairs and wait 8 hours until I get home, I can wait 5 minutes for someone to respond to a text.
5. Listen more than you speak.
Isn’t it remarkable how many things you’ve said to your dog without ever getting a response? Listen to what others have to say. Most of the time people need a friend not an opinion.
6. It's okay to nap.
It might be the middle of the day and you may have woken up just 3 hours earlier, but go ahead and take a nap or even just a break from whatever you’re doing. Down time is a part of life.
7. Actions speak louder than words.
Your dog has unconditional love for you. And you know that because of the endless snuggles, often unwanted kisses and overwhelming "welcome home!!!"s, not because of things they say.
8. Love sees no boundaries.
If only we saw each other as our dogs see us. Or if only we saw each other as we see our dogs.
9. Running is the closest thing to pure freedom.
Every now and then, let loose and run. Whether it’s your mind or your body or both, let them run wild. You won’t better the world or better yourself always staying in the same place.
10. Demand their attention.
Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve.
11. Try and try again.
Just because the squirrel got away once or twice or fifty times doesn’t convince a dog that next time won’t be the one. Perseverance is key. If everything were handed to you, life would be a rather boring place.
12. Life is always better with someone by your side.
As much as we all need alone time now and then, we need people more.
13. Show the people you love that you love them.
You know how your dog greets you with the same enthusiasm whether you return from a week-long vacation or a 15-minute trip to the store? I think that’s the most powerful lesson we can learn from our pups. Nothing is set in stone. If you love someone, tell them. And even more importantly, show them.
s/o McKinley
