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1. Sleep whenever possible, in as warm a place as possible. Got five minutes and a place to lay? Then you’ve got the makings of a delicious nap or a good night’s sleep. Roo never worries that there are more important things to do than stretch out and rest. Despite the many important things on his mind, like figuring out how to take over the world and convert Denmark into a giant peanut butter factory, he manages to let it all go when it’s time for bed. We could all learn to do the same. Get enough rest and stop letting daily life intrude on our sleep.

2. Don’t let anybody talk you into doing something you’re not comfortable with. Whether that means taking a bath or whizzing in the snow, know your limits and stand up for them. Don’t let people cajole you with sweet tones or promises of jerky. If we could all learn to say “no” as well as our pets do, we might have fewer commitments and less guilt.

How does your pet see the world?

3. When you need help, ask for it. When Roo needs a door opened, a toy fetched from under a chair, or help of any kind, he asks for it. Loudly. He doesn’t worry that he’ll come off as needy or that he’ll be less important to his family. He knows that he simply doesn’t have opposable thumbs. Life would be a lot simpler if we all learned to ask for help when we needed it and didn’t sweat any real or imagined ramifications.

4. Holding grudges won’t get you anywhere. So he got yelled at yesterday for running out of the house. Today’s a new day, and holding a grudge isn’t going to get him his breakfast any sooner. I’m truly inspired by how quickly dogs can forget minor hurts and just move on. Letting go so easily is a habit we can all strive to emulate.

5. Smiling gets you (almost) everything you want. Roo’s learned, in his own life and through generations of doggie DNA, that people are more easily bent to his will when he’s smiling and sweet. If he wants to be petted, he smiles at you instead of nipping and barking for more. I think that most of us forget this rule from time to time. (I know I do.) From spouses to strangers, most people are more willing to help you when you’re smiling instead of sniping. Make a conscious effort to be positive and see how your circumstances change.

6. Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. So he can’t swim. Who cares if he doesn’t catch frisbees? He’s a great tracker and an excellent hide-and-seek strategist. Unlike his human counterparts, Roo doesn’t sit around worrying about the things he can’t do. He simply dives into the things he’s great at with gusto and enthusiasm. If he were to offer advice, I have a feeling he’d say to focus on your strengths and nap through the rest.

7. Stay out of other people’s business. No one likes their ass sniffed. Keep your nose out of other people’s business and you’ll find people are much more relaxed around you.

8. Nobody cares about your fancy collar. Plus, it kinda itches. And you get in trouble if you get too dirty while wearing it. Seriously. Probably the only person who cares about your designer clothes and status bags is you. So, if they make you happy, that’s great. Just don’t expect the rest of the world to fall all over itself.

9. Nothing beats a good kiss. There’s no better way to show affection than with a big, wet kiss. Whether you miss your favorite person or you’re trying to make them feel better, there’s never a bad time to show people you care. Loosen up about showing affection and watch your relationships bloom.

10. There’s nothing better than a sunny day and a good belly rub. Roo’s an expert at enjoying the simple things in life. No fancy cars or designer food for him, just the warm sun, a spot to enjoy it, and a good breeze to sniff. We should all be so lucky as to enjoy such true pleasures.

You crack me up Layla. Good advice in a very funny format!!

Loved it!! The same can apply to my cat, I'll have to start taking lessons from her.

My dog taught me the technique of arising every day with joy. He would wake up every morning like it was the day of the Big Party, and couldn't wait to see what was in store. He could not understand why I would want to remain in bed now that my eyes were open.

It was time not only to get up, but to get up with a bound, hitting the ground running. I learned that from him, and still do that to this day.

So I will add #11 to Layla's list.

11. Begin each day as if it is the day of the biggest, bestest party yet. With that attitude, it is bound to be a great day. Hit the ground running, and ramp up the joy factor as you go. Always time for a nap a little later, but first, check out the day!

My dog taught me all I know. He's definitely the brains of the outfit.

I'm impressed, Layla, that was a nifty piece of writing.

And your points are well taken.

Layla,
Excellent post. My dog has gotten older now and doesn't always start up the morning quite ready to party. However, once she is up, she certainly greets us as if we are the best things to come along in days, even if it has only been 15 minutes since she has seen us. The only thing my dog usually gets in trouble for is eating Kleenex. I had another dog before Sophie but I had to keep him in a cage all day while I was gone. Sophie has always had the run of the house since I got her at about three years old. Everything you say above applies. Thanks for the post.
Harry

Courage. Jake, my rescue dog, has had three major surgeries and he is only three years old. The last, was a couple of weeks ago. I spent time with him during his recoup period at the vet hospital. Although he was hooked up to an IV, couldn't eat and was in pain, his tail always waged and his eyes always brightened at the sight of me. Home, he is still in pain. His leg has to be rotated many times during the day. He never makes a sound, just waits for it to be over. I have cried over him for the misery he is in. And yet it is he who licks my tears away. He trusts. He loves. He happily waits for each new day so we can start again. He is, to me, a teacher of courage.

Thanks for the heart warming story about Jake. I hope he is well soon. Hug him once for me.

Dogs are top of the line friends!

Layla,
That is a great piece of writing. My Delilah has teaches me to enjoy life more and more each day. If nothing else, to get out and walk every day. Since I have her, I have lost 25 pounds.