This past week, I had the pleasure of puppy-sitting my sister's 6 year old yellow lab. I have to admit that I was extremely nervous, since he and I had never spent an extended period of time alone together. But, I was determined to make sure that he felt safe, and loved. We went on at least two or three walks a day. I took him to the toy store, and to get some whipped cream at my favorite ice-cream place. On our last day together, I made sure to make turkey bacon for breakfast, just so that he could have a piece.
I essentially tried to be the fun aunt, and spoil him rotten. There was a part of me though, that was anxious for him to go back home because, while he was a joy to have around, he was a lot of work. And, I couldn't wait to vacuum and dust. (His blonde hair does not match well with my dark mahogany furniture!) But, once my sister picked him up, and after I vacuumed and starting putting my world back together, I felt incredibly lonely. It was so great to have someone to care for! I've never considered myself a real maternal person, but I truly loved taking care of him. And, I learned the meaning of the saying, "Tired and Happy."
It got me thinking about dogs, and all the things that us humans can learn from them. I think my new goal is to love like a dog. <3
Affectionate - Dogs are super affectionate, and I love that about them. They aren't afraid to show you how much they care. My sister's dog was constantly giving me kisses, and "hugs," where he leans up against me. A dog will happily sit at your feet while you watch TV or work on your laptop. They just want to be close!
Live in the Moment - Dogs aren't worried about what happened an hour ago, or what will happen tomorrow. They are simply happy doing what they happen to be doing at that moment. They are happy when they're playing, they are happy when they're helping out their owner in some way, and they are happy when they're lying around relaxing in the sun.
Be Physically Active - Dogs love to be active. Why? Because don't we all feel great after we've worked out? Sometimes that's the only thing that gets me to the gym, or to turn on my workout video... that feeling that I know I'll have when I've finished. And, the beautiful thing about dogs is that they don't have to get on the treadmill to get in a workout. Get out and go for a walk, do some yard work, or even play a game of kickball with your kids!
Loyalty - If there's one thing that I always associate with dogs, it's how loyal they are. They don't care if you're having a bad hair day, or if you didn't get the promotion you wanted, or if you snapped at them 30 minutes ago. A dog will stand by you no matter what.
Accept Yourself - I can't imagine that a collie wishes they were a poodle. Dogs are happy being who they are. They're focus is more on enjoying life, and making sure that their owner is happy and loved. Wouldn't it be great if we could stop worrying about the little things, and start focusing on how we can serve others and make others feel good?
Honestly, I think this six-year old boy explained it best.
I essentially tried to be the fun aunt, and spoil him rotten. There was a part of me though, that was anxious for him to go back home because, while he was a joy to have around, he was a lot of work. And, I couldn't wait to vacuum and dust. (His blonde hair does not match well with my dark mahogany furniture!) But, once my sister picked him up, and after I vacuumed and starting putting my world back together, I felt incredibly lonely. It was so great to have someone to care for! I've never considered myself a real maternal person, but I truly loved taking care of him. And, I learned the meaning of the saying, "Tired and Happy."
It got me thinking about dogs, and all the things that us humans can learn from them. I think my new goal is to love like a dog. <3
Affectionate - Dogs are super affectionate, and I love that about them. They aren't afraid to show you how much they care. My sister's dog was constantly giving me kisses, and "hugs," where he leans up against me. A dog will happily sit at your feet while you watch TV or work on your laptop. They just want to be close!
Live in the Moment - Dogs aren't worried about what happened an hour ago, or what will happen tomorrow. They are simply happy doing what they happen to be doing at that moment. They are happy when they're playing, they are happy when they're helping out their owner in some way, and they are happy when they're lying around relaxing in the sun.
Be Physically Active - Dogs love to be active. Why? Because don't we all feel great after we've worked out? Sometimes that's the only thing that gets me to the gym, or to turn on my workout video... that feeling that I know I'll have when I've finished. And, the beautiful thing about dogs is that they don't have to get on the treadmill to get in a workout. Get out and go for a walk, do some yard work, or even play a game of kickball with your kids!
Loyalty - If there's one thing that I always associate with dogs, it's how loyal they are. They don't care if you're having a bad hair day, or if you didn't get the promotion you wanted, or if you snapped at them 30 minutes ago. A dog will stand by you no matter what.
Accept Yourself - I can't imagine that a collie wishes they were a poodle. Dogs are happy being who they are. They're focus is more on enjoying life, and making sure that their owner is happy and loved. Wouldn't it be great if we could stop worrying about the little things, and start focusing on how we can serve others and make others feel good?
Honestly, I think this six-year old boy explained it best.
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