What I learned from my Dog

posted 31st August 2009    Written by: Robyn    CATEGORY: All Posts, Life Lesson, Quarterlife Crisis, Robyn, Season 1, What I've Learned

morganMy girlfriend, Natalie, spent a lot of time and money training her dog, Morgan (who I also consider to be my dog).  Morgan can sit, stay, give paw, and she’s almost trained off leash.  I’ve always been impressed with Morgan and how quickly she learns.

I’ll even admit that sometimes I’m jealous of the dog.

I mean she sits around all day, naps, gets constant attention, and is constantly spoiled!  After living with her for about a year, I have learned a lot from just watching her.

Here’s a list of things I have learned from my dog:

1.  Always let the people you care about know how much you love them. It’s easy to get caught up in a routine and to take the people around you for granted.  Take time to appreciate the people you care about, and never hesitate to show them how much they mean to you and how happy you are to see them.  I can’t remember a day when I walk home through my front door that Morgan isn’t jumping on me and showering me with kisses.  Her tail wags uncontrollably like it’s the first time she has seen me in months, when really it has only been a few hours.

2.  On the other hand, don’t waste time on people who don’t make you happy. Friendships and relationships are two way streets, and if you don’t feel like you are being treated how you deserve, then move on.  When Morgan is outside at the dog park, surrounded by other people and other dogs, she will run around making friends, and once in a while, she will come across someone she must not be fond of.  Maybe she is a good judge of character or maybe there is no reason for it, but she doesn’t waste her time around another person or another dog she doesn’t like.  She will run away, cower, and move on to the next dog/person.

3.  Take time to relax.  Balancing work and life and everything else weighs on me, and I’m sure it weighs on you.  Even if it’s just an hour each night…take time to do something relaxing.  Read a book, take a walk, or watch part of your favorite movie.  Morgan takes about twelve naps a day (here’s where my jealousy comes in—haha!).  She does what makes her happy—chewing on a bone, laying in the sun, or digging in the sand at the dog beach.  She does what she wants and always makes time for herself.

4.  Let people give you attention.  Don’t be shy, and never pass a chance to open and up and let yourself be heard.  I’ve never enjoyed being the center of attention—so much that sometimes I will downplay my feelings or accomplishments so that it’s not such a big deal.  I’ve worked on it, and I have found a better, happier balance.  I enjoy sharing things with people more, and I enjoy their reactions to my sharing.  Morgan will sit and stare at me until I invite her up on the couch to rest on my lap.  She will nuzzle my arm and look at me with big puppy eyes until I pet her or scratch her behind the ears.  She never fails to let me know when she needs me to make her feel special.

5. Take time to enjoy the little things. Find pleasure in everyday life.  Take notice of things you would usually be too busy to appreciate.  Morgan is ecstatic to get outside for a short walk.  She is thrilled when I let her run outside with me to take the garbage out.  She can hardly contain herself when I give her a small bite of whatever I am eating.  A pat on the head perks her ears up and makes her tail wag.

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Comments (1)

One Response to “What I learned from my Dog”

  • Lauren Says:
    September 1st, 2009 at 11:40 am

    Robyn thanks for this article! It’s really endearing when you put appreciation in this context. :) I think ill take some advice from Morgan.

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