Have You Ever Seen A Dog Smile?
What can be learned from 8 legs, 4 eyes, and 2 tails? A lot! Let me introduce you to our 2 happy dogs – Holly on the left and Maddie on the right. Both are full blooded Aussies and are world travellers. From swimming in a warm ocean to rolling around in ice cold snow – these gals have done it all. They have quite the zest for life, they flaunt it daily and they have a lot to teach.
So what can we learn from them?
1. Do everything with enthusiasm. This goes for eating, playing, greeting people at the door, going up or down stairs, hopping into the car…really everything!
2. The world is your playground. There is no right or wrong place to have a good time. There is fun to be had no matter where you are! So run and play daily.
3. Don’t be afraid to get your hair wet. Ladies…right?
4. Never pretend to be something you’re not. They are dogs through and through. They will do anything for a kibble, bark at strangers and chew a piece of plastic (toy) for hours. They never waiver.
5. Be persistent. If you stare at someone long enough you’ll eventually get what you want.
6. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride. Stick your head out the window and feel the wind on your face. I never quite got this one though, if you blow gently on their face – HATE IT; head out the window at 65km/hr – LOVE IT! Still a mystery to me.
7. Friends aren’t that hard to find. You can make a friend anywhere by walking up to them and saying “hi”.
8. Keep your body healthy. Exercise every chance you get, drink a lot of water, and nap when you can. Remember to stretch before you get up!
9. Live in the present moment. Our girls don’t ever seem to worry about the future or dwell on the past. They’re just focused on now.
10. It’s the little things in life that mean the most. Walk for the sake of walking – it’s amazing what you see when you slow down to check everything out.
11. Be kind. Sit quietly next to someone whose having a bad day so they know you care.
12. Don’t hold grudges. Shake it off…literally.
13. Protect your territory. You don’t have to be aggressive but let them know there are boundaries that have to be respected.
14. Don’t go anywhere without ID. Enough said.
15. Trust your instincts. Our girls never second guess themselves and they don’t talk themselves out of anything. Go with your gut.
We live in such a fast paced society now where everything is done faster, bigger and better than before. We can often become overwhelmed by it all. There is much to be learned from our 4 legged furry friends who have perfected slowing down, enjoying life and finding happiness in all that they do. Go on, look at the picture of the two of them passed out in the sun and tell me that’s not the good life!
15 Responses to “Have You Ever Seen A Dog Smile?”
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Hi Sherri,
I love it! The pictures are absolutely perfect, especially the one with them soaking up the sun. That is the life!
You are right, we can learn a lot from animals. Although I have some issues with my Catholic upbringing, the one Bible verse that always brings me comfort in moments of worry is the one about the lillies of the field and how they do not worry. If they can be provided for so can we. This post was the animal version of that Bible verse. I love the message of it! Great job!
Nadia-Happy Lotus’s last blog post..Luck, The Beatles and 10,000 Hours
I just sat here smiling while going down your list. I’ve only recently subscribed to your site and so far I’m loving your posts. They just make sense – even if you are using dogs to teach us how we should live.
By the way, I love the pictures of your girls.
Amanda @ Mommy’s Idea Book’s last blog post..Strategies for Handling An Overly Energetic Child
I really enjoyed this post! We have a dog and a cat. The cat has taught me how to relax.
Roger – A Content Life’s last blog post..From Aggravated to Relaxed in 158 Seconds
The pure love you see in a happy dog’s eyes is almost as pure of a tonic as the sound of a young child laughing…
So, does #7 include sniffing crotches? That would be difficult to explain in public…
This really made me smile (especially the one of them sleeping), your dogs look like great fun. Dogs really are man’s best friend and your list shows we can learn alot from them too.
Julian’s last blog post..6 Steps To Creating A Powerful Morning Routine
Fantastic. I really loved this post. I wonder if these canine traits are what draws us to them as companions. They get to do things in a manner we should all aspire to.
Garry – thisimprovedlife’s last blog post..Can we live without technology? (having a techno break)
Too cute! I especially like the second photo – her tail is wagging so fast it’s a blur! You must smile a lot with those girls around.
Laurie | Express Yourself to Success’s last blog post..Thoughts of Happiness
@ Nadia – Thanks for the kind words I’m really glad you liked the post. There is a lot to be learned about life from animals. It’s a slower paced, more relaxed life with a lot fewer worries.
@ Amanda – That’s great I’m glad you’re liking our site so far. It also makes me happy to know that our girls made you smile!
@ Roger – Glad you enjoyed the post too! Cats…poster animals for relaxation and can also be an inspiration for always landing on your feet.
@ Midd13m4n – Welcome! Lovely comment about the love in a happy dog’s eyes, I agree with you completely.
@ Julian – Hi, I’m glad you liked the post, I really like the picture of the girls sleeping in the sun too ahhhh the life… They are tons of fun and enjoy life to the max it’s really great and they are a lot of fun!
@ Garry – Welcome! I’m glad this post struck a chord with you as well. Our girls certainly do make the life of a dog very appealing. A lot of what they do day in and day out can be adapted to our lives as well, you’re right. Thanks for your comment!
@ Laurie – Maddie was so happy that day (as you can tell by the blur). We took them both to the park to get out of the house as it had been raining all day (that’s why she’s so muddy). We kicked the soccer ball around the park for them and they would both chase after it with crazed looks on their faces. Maddie would pick it up in her mouth, run back to us and drop it so we would kick it again. She’s too cute and I guarantee she would outlast anyone when it comes to playing fetch with a stick or a ball!
Awesome post, Sherri! And really cute dogs!
Michael’s last blog post..The Sacred Vow
@ Michael – Thanks, we think they’re pretty cute
Aw they’re adorable. I love labs and having two is just a dream! I enjoyed the photos very much Sherri.
Daphne’s last blog post..How To Find Happiness in 5 Minutes
@ Daphne – Thanks! Labs are just a lovely breed they are so gentle, loving and happy go lucky they’re awesome! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos of the girls too
loved this post!
keep up the great work on your blog!
@ Catherine – Welcome! Glad you enjoyed the post. Hope you continue to enjoy the blog as well.