10 Life Lessons I learned from my dog

1. Moving your body, preferably outside, always helps

Having a dog means you have to get outside every day. If you don’t, he’ll drive you insane later on in the day and let’s be honest, this serves no one. This daily habit is probably the one thing that’s kept me going these past several months because it’s meant I’ve taken a break from the routine of online working, infused myself with fresh air and moved my body. Even if it’s for 20 or 30 minutes, it refuels the mind in a way nothing else does.

2.  Even simple, habitual things can bring joy

Basil has a perpetual smile on his face, the kind that attracts random strangers on the beach to comment and engage. Even though he goes to the beach every day, he approaches it with the playfulness and curiosity of a child, as if experiencing the joy for the very first time. He reminds me that there’s wonder to be found in the simple things, and if perhaps we’ve stopped noticing, it’s time to look around with fresh eyes.

3.  Some things just aren’t that important

I’ve given up on having a spotless house. The white couch I bought pre-dog days is pretty much always dirty. And whilst this might have caused me distress before (no, I don’t have kids), it’s certainly far better for me not to worry about it. The covers are cleaned regularly and aside from that, in the grand scheme of where I want to focus my energy, it really, really doesn’t matter.
 

4.  Slowing down is okay

I take Basil for a run a few times a week and in addition to keeping us both fit, it’s a good reminder to slow down. Yup, this seems counter-intuitive as his monkey-chasing pace can be uncomfortably faster than mine and my arms are getting a workout too. But given that he also wants to pee on every second pole, bush or dustbin, I’ve also had to let go of the pace at which I want to run. There is no race so if we need to stop, we stop. 
 

5.  We absolutely need social connection

My friend Mel and I always laugh that despite an entire beach available to them, our dogs seem to play right on top of us, barging into us, rolling over us and as an absolute necessity, covering us with sand. Whilst sometimes irritating, it’s also a really lovely reminder that being close to our people is what we all need. Dogs are pack animals, and because we’re part of the pack, they want to be near us too. We're all hard-wired for this kind of connection.
 

6.  When tired, rest

It’s amazing that a dog with seemingly boundless energy can also sleep this much. But he knows when he’s had enough and is in need of a bit of a lie down. Imagine we too could listen to our bodies, knowing that when we’ve exerted energy or it’s too hot or just because we feel like it, it’s time to rest? 

7.  When you’re not sure, suss things out first

When unknown dogs are visible, even at a distant, Basil lies down in full crouch mode, checking out the scene and assessing the risk. Only when he’s sure does he approach…with caution. I’ve decided this is a rather sensible approach to things, people, environments, decisions…well, pretty much anything. If you aren’t sure at first, take your time until you are (or at least until you've found your brave).
 

8.  When sad or lonely, go in for a cuddle

We can try pretend otherwise, but we all need physical contact. This past year has reminded us of the importance of experiencing closeness to another and the pure pleasure of a hug.  Dogs do this automatically, knowing intuitively when a good dose of oxytocin is required and their human needs a lift. For many of us, this is something we have to consciously remember to practice.
 

9.  Grudges are a waste of precious time and energy

Dogs are incredibly forgiving. Ten minutes after a big smack or shouting at, he’s all wide-eyed and eager to engage. What’s happened in the past, is in the past and it’s only the connection we have now that truly matters. Life really does feel a lot lighter when we learn to let go.
 

10.  Eat when you’re hungry, don’t when you’re not

The initial survival instinct of a rescue dog used to be pretty strong and Basil would eat with a frantic urgency, certain this was his last meal.  Over time, he’s realised that more food will come, that he can eat when he’s hungry and wait when he’s not. Many of us humans are yet to learn that we don’t need to eat in deprivation mode and that food will still be available to us when we’re ready. A healthy lesson in regulation of all types, no doubt.