On a typical walk on a typical Monday morning, I spotted it. It was fluffy, white, and wore a pink collar. It was full of energy, and I couldn’t help but smile. This little West Highland White Terrier was being walked by her owner around campus. Dog walking is seen on campus fairly often, but I never fail to get excited when I see a cute dog. Naturally, I had to ask the owner to pet this lively, little dog named Zoey. As Zoey’s owner and I got talking, I told her about my family dog, how I grew up with him and how much he means to me. She went on to tell me how much my childhood dog would always mean to me. She said, “You’ll never forget him, you know.” She is correct. I will never forget Max. He has been in my life for twelve years, and he has taught me twelve very important lessons.

1. Be a best friend. Always be there for the ones that you love. No matter what.
2. Stop and smell. Take the time to stop and smell the roses every once in a while. Enjoy every moment, the big and the small. Each moment is unique and passing, so take it all in.
3. The park is always a good idea. The park has something for everyone, whether you have four legs or two. The park is the perfect place to think, to relax, to smile, and to laugh.
4. Soak up the sun. Max had a habit of plopping down right outside to bask in the afternoon sun. This has taught me to soak up that vitamin D, listen to the sounds of nature, and get a little suntan.
5. If, at first you don’t succeed, try again. If I had a penny for every time Max has chased a rabbit and didn’t actually catch it, I would be Bill Gates. He has inspired me to “chase the rabbits” in my own life. Who cares if I don’t catch them the first or second or hundredth time? All you can do is try.
6. Stop and chat. Whether you bark or speak English, it’s always nice to chat with the ones who understand you the most.
7. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Do the things that you love. Life is too short to not be enjoyed. Whether it’s playing fetch with your favorite four-legged friend or joking around with your roommates, take the time to do what makes you happy.
8. Be caring. Be there for the ones that you love. You don’t even always have to give advice. Most of the time, your presence is enough.
9. Be a guard dog when you need to. Protect the people that you love. Stand up for them and stand up for yourself.
10. It’s the little things that count. Whether it’s a long walk or a spontaneous trip to the park, these little moments always seem to make an ordinary day better.
11. Everyone could use a hug every now and then. Hug your family, hug your friends, hug your pets. It will make them feel loved, and you will feel loved right back.
12. There are certain lessons that only your dog can teach you. A dog can be a best friend, a running buddy, a shotgun rider, and a great listener. A dog can also be a teacher. The most valuable thing I have learned from Max is that there are certain lessons that only a dog can teach, and my dog has taught me all of them.