10 Things I Learned From My Dog

Some people say that animals can't talk. I say they do; all you have to do is listen. While animals may not speak English in the conventional manner, they certainly do find ways to communicate with their owners. In many cases, they even start to act like their owners, and entirely forget the fact that they're a dog. In the picture here, taken last Christmas Eve, Abby is helping me open a gift. She's learned that we use our hands like she uses her mouth, so she unwraps gifts at the corners with her mouth, and here, she is helping me open the box. In addition to opening presents, she also knows commands like sit, stay, shake, come, etc. While we've taught her plenty of things, I've certainly learned a few things from her, as well. Her, and our previous dog, Mandy, who died during my senior year of high school. Here are 10 things that my dogs have taught me.

1. Take Joy in Small Things
Dogs love having someone to throw a stick for them, or to scratch their ears for a few seconds. Not many humans have the ability to get so excited over such a small task.

2. Forgive Quickly
If you step on a dog's tail, they yelp, but soon enough, they come back to you on the couch, and all is forgiven. You're best friends again just like that.

3. Say You're Sorry
Dogs know when they get in trouble. When they get in trouble, it's obvious that they feel sad. Before long, though, they come back just to make sure everything is okay and to seek forgiveness.

4. Never Stop Exploring
How excited do dogs get when you take them to a new place? They run around, taking in all the smells, and their tail keeps wagging at 100 mph the whole time. The world is a big place; take time to explore it and take in everything around you.

5. Protect the Things You Love
Ever seen a dog defend it's owners? There's a reason burglars don't target homes with dogs: dogs will defend their home, and the people in it, to the death. When you have someone you care about, protect them with everything you have.

6. Love Matters More Than Things
Dogs don't care about how much money their owner has or what kind of car they drive; a dog just needs to be loved unconditionally and they will return the favor.

7. Don't Be Afraid to Chase Your Tail
While people may laugh at the dog for chasing his tail, he doesn't care. He's doing what he wants to do and is having fun doing it. Who cares what other people think; do what you want to do.

8. Sometimes the Answer is No
When people tell a dog no, it isn't because they want to, or to that they're trying to be mean to their dog. They say no for the dog's protection; because the owner knows what's best for the dog. In life, we may think that being told no is the worst thing ever, but just remember, in the long run, it's probably for a good reason--we just might not know it yet.

9. Follow the Smarter Person
If you take a dog on a walk, the person is the one controlling where you go. Obviously, humans are smarter than dogs and have a better idea of what's going on, and know where they're going. In life, follow the person who has a better idea of what the bigger picture is.

10. Tell People You Love Them
With a dog, every time you come home, your dog is there to greet you at the door with their tail wagging. When a dog loves you, they make it obvious. It should be just as obvious to other people that you love them.