With the man working most nights and being a horrible sleeper when he is around, this is pretty much what I fall asleep to and wake up to most days. The ultimate dose of cuteness, my Tucker. I really can't complain...except when he has one of those dreams where he's the leader of the wolf pack or he's saving Timmy trapped in a well. I'd like to imagine it's right about then at the height of his excitement that he starts his adorable muffled barks and running in his sleep...and you catch a paw to the rib. Lol But for the most part he is the best snuggle buddy ever, and really I couldn't dream up a more compatible dog.
Sometimes I wonder if there was a glitch in the whole creationist theory where God forgot to add the 8th day...you know, the one where he realized humans were going to be trouble and decided to make the purest form of any living creature, the dog, to show us how to live because he knew we'd mess it up and need an example to follow. Jesus...dog...the word's interchangeable. (Please don't take offense at my poor humor. Of course I'm kidding.) Or is it possible that after years and years of domestication from their 2 legged masters that they have actually learned the best parts of us and portray that purely. Whatever the reason, I swear my dog is human sometimes and holds all the answers that our confused human hearts struggle with.
So though I'm sure it's been done before, but it's only due to much love for our furry family members, I want to touch on my observations of the things we can learn from our 4 legged best friends.
1. First and most important...Love, whole heartedly, with all you have, and never stop...even when you are scolded by those you love. Don't let circumstances define who you are, define who you are first and then when you weather the storms, you will be able to stand firm.
2. Own up to and feel sorry for your mistakes. We are not perfect nor never will be, nor should we expect perfection from anyone else. If you can, make up for them by licking the crap outta the offended's face (figuratively speaking). Also it's ok to receive praise for a job well done, just don't always expect it. Do what you should be doing regardless of reward.
3. Don't dwell on the past aka don't let those mistakes you will make keep you down for too long, and for goodness sake stop repeating and eventually learn from them! Take time to look at yourself objectively and if that is too difficult keep someone around that you trust to give you some constructive criticism.
4. Whistle while you work. Doing the things we don't want to do, but have to do, usually involve a reward in some way, shape, or form. In it's simplest form, what you reap, you will sow. It's how life works. Seek to find a job that doesn't feel like work and that you're naturally good at...it makes whistling even easier.
5. Play play play. Always take time to have fun and see the beauty in all situations. Try new things. Discover. Explore. Everyone needs something to work towards and you must make the time to do the things you love. That way you don't miss out on your now but can also have things to look forward to in your future.
6. Take your sleep seriously. It's what refreshes you and keeps you going and at your best. Don't be afraid to take a nap. Don't ever be so wrapped up in work that you don't have enough time to keep your sleep, eat, play balance.
7. Bark at intruders. You should have boundaries in your life. When people cross them, you need to let them know. Stand up for yourself, what you believe in, and the people closest to you. Take the time to know what those things are for you.
8. If you don't understand, ask questions. (Ok so maybe that's just my dog, but I swear when he doesn't understand what I'm saying, he let's me know.) It's ok to clarify things and make sure you are on the right page with anything you do, and anyone you are in a relationship with (friend, family, or romantic).
9. Be yourself. Show how you feel, when you feel it, and move on. There will never be another you, so make sure you show the world what you have inside.
10. Respect those in authority. Learn from them as they are there for a reason. There is always something to learn from someone else.
11. Make sure you socialize yourself with all different types of people. Recognize your differences, celebrate your similarities. Be careful not to trample on ones smaller than you, or tick off those bigger than you. Don't be so selfish that you can't recognize or see what's going on in the ones that surround you.
12. It's ok to sniff behinds but not ok to kiss them. We all have to do some inspecting every now and then, with people and situations and in life in general. Just don't get caught up in something, someone, or in some place where you know you shouldn't be. Make good choices.
In ways I think dogs are more in tune to what the core of being human is all about than us humans are at most times. The truth I've come to understand is that though we humans are all unique, we share the same core, and to function in complete health, we need the same things for survival (I'm talking about past the obvious, food, water, shelter, etc). Oh yes, we can survive behind our forts and walls we build, guarded by our best alligator moat and trained fire breathing dragons. True we might not get hurt, but even then there is no guarantee...sometimes our castles get stormed even with our best defenses. One thing is for sure, we can never truly live until we break down those walls and let others in because if we don't we will always be a slave to fear. There's something healing about being open and not hiding anything. It is real. It is truth. It creates connection that each and every one of us needs at our inner being for real survival (even if we don't realize we do...trust me, you do). That connection puts all our fears to rest...it knows that we are in this together, that we are not alone, that we are accepted even with our flaws, that we have worth, have support in the tough times, and when working together we can be challenged, dream big, and accomplish great things. You must be true to yourself, before you can ever be true to others. Real success is measured by the ability you have to truly love one another unhindered. Just like my Tucker shows me every day, seek to love, find that connection, and the rest will fall into place. What's left to deal with is in essence easy when your fears are laid to rest. In the presence of true love there can be no fear...and just like this picture shows, we can be at peace.
