There are moments when I’m sure that Abbie, my 4.5 lb. toy poodle, has a stronger innate sense than I do. One minute before the recent California earthquakes she started barking and running in wide circles around the family room. When the earth started rockin’ and rollin’ she was huddled up to us, watching out for OUR safety, not her own.
There are so many lessons to be learned from Abbie on a daily basis. She is often the teacher and I’m the student. Here are just a few examples of what she has taught me.
“Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!” Author Unknown
It is often the simple things we tend to forget. What lessons has your pet taught you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Here’s to Wagging,
Dar
April 7th, 2010 at 1:00 am
Hi Darlene
What a terrific post!
It’s amazing what we can learn from animals (and children!), isn’t it?
Simple, uncomplicated, enjoy the moments, no strings attached … these are all thoughts that came to mind when I read your post – a pretty good way to live, I’d say!
We all need reminders like this from time to time.
Thanks!
~ Kylie ~
April 9th, 2010 at 5:39 am
Love this post Darlene. If we were more like our loyal companions in business who knows where it could lead. Loved this comparison.
.-= Beverly Monical´s last blog ..Who Is Dr. Gilbert Kaats? =-.
April 9th, 2010 at 6:30 am
I love it! I knew I was a dog lover for a reason! We’re learning these lessons, and she already knows them! Thank you for putting words to the reality of it all!
.-= Linda G Cox´s last blog ..Blog Profits Blueprint by Yaro Starak =-.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:23 am
Darlene, you did it again! There isn’t a single post of yours I don’t like and cherish. This one is no different… gonna print it out and carry it with me in my purse… to peruse when I’m feeling down and to share with others who need a lift and a smile.
April 14th, 2010 at 7:44 am
Monika, Am so happy this message spoke to you. Life is all about sharing with others, right?
April 9th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Oh Darlene,
This is so adorable! I love your “baby” and the lessons that we can learn from her! Abbie keeps it simple and she teaches us to keep it simple as well. Give her a big snuggle for me!
XOXO Mentor Mama
.-= Nancy Burke Barr´s last blog ..Online Marketing: Why Online Marketing is Ineffective =-.
April 9th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Darlene,
How delightful!!!
I am generally a cat person, but after reading this post, I am thinking…dogs aren’t so bad. Very nice “life lessons” from Abbie. I learned a thing or two from her today just by reading this. I think I’ll go lay in the shade and drink some water now.
Krista
.-= Krista Abbott´s last blog ..4 Critical Things to Look for in a Mentor =-.
April 14th, 2010 at 7:19 am
LOL, Krista! You have a terrific plan!
April 9th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
Fantastic post Darlene.
Keeping it simple is an awesome quality to master. My Mum always said if you are not sure in life, look at what the animals are doing. That makes more sense every day.
We dont have a pet but are surrounded by some lovely wild animals and i am always fascinated when i watch them go about their daily business
.-= Matt Jones´s last blog ..Is Fear Producing Your Reality? =-.
April 9th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Darlene, your dog is soo gorgeous. I love dogs. Unfortunately, I don’t have one at the moment because I don’t have the time or space to really look after one.
I think animals are great for teaching us stuff. Doesn’t matter what age you are or who you are animals can teach us something. Love the ‘run romp and play daily’. Very nice.
This is a great post. Thanks!
.-= Sally Bath´s last blog ..4 Hour work week? You’ve got to be kidding… =-.
April 9th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
I love it Darlene. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. “Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.”… this one is going in the books. You are a sweet and kind soul. Your dog is so cute.
Have a great weekend!
God Bless,
-ed
April 9th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
How wonderful! I have 3 dogs and enjoy living in the pack. They all come from rescue centers and continually teach me every day. Thank you for this wonderful post. Fellow dog lover, Donna Merrill
April 11th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Hi Darlene ~ My dog has that same sense about earthquakes, but then again, so does my husband so I’m not entirely sure…;)
I love these tips ~ dogs certainly do have a thing or two figured out about life! Thanks for putting a smile on my face today!
.-= Beth Allen´s last blog ..Big Love to the Food Revolution! =-.
April 12th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Hey Darlene! I’ve had very few pets in my life (my brother was allergic) but when I first moved in by myself when I was living in Binghamton, NY I had gotten a kitten. I learned so much of the simple things in life from that little guy. But when I had to move back into a dorm I had to get rid of him
When I move to San Diego, I’m really thinking about getting a dog so hopefully I’ll be able to re-learn these lessons
Thanks,
Chris Hughes
The Juggling Entrepreneur
.-= Chris Hughes´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
April 13th, 2010 at 1:31 am
Hi Darlene, what a delightful post. I can totally relate to everything you shared about Abbie. I’m an animal lover, I have 2 beautiful girls that I adore. (One is a French Mastiff & the other a Jack Russel) They are able to raise my vibration simply by spending time with them. I love the lesson of ‘Avoid biting when a simple growl will do’
Love it.
April 14th, 2010 at 7:17 am
Yes Toni, They definitely raise your vibrations!
April 13th, 2010 at 4:44 am
I love it! Very simple, lovely, pure and true. This is what you’re really good at, making others feel good.
*BIG HUGS* Darlene.
.-= Kellie Frazier´s last blog ..Do You Worry Whether or Not You Will Connect With Someone Immediately? =-.
April 14th, 2010 at 6:47 am
Thanks Darlene! I especially like the take naps part
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April 14th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Darlene,
This is such an awesome post. I am blown away by how many simple things you pointed out just from Abbie. It made me think about how many simple things I don’t do because I think I don’t have time. And we call ourselves superior beings. Ha!
Thanks for sharing an awesome post as usual.
.-= Debbie Stevens´s last blog ..Lessons from a License Plate =-.
April 14th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Darlene,
Every lesson you mentioned is so true and taught so well by our dogs. I’ve been nicely reminded of this since we rescued a sweet little terrier mix in June. You are so right in how they are amazed and delighted by the fresh air and wind in their face. Watching him makes me appreciate it too! I’m still working on all the other lessons.
Thanks for this heart-warming post!
.-= Dave and Dawn´s last blog ..Follow the Rules and Suffer the Consequences =-.
May 14th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
What a great post! I love my dogs and they have taugh me about unconditional love. I love that dogs are always happy to see you and never hold a grudge.
.-= Angela´s last blog ..What are you Doing with your Dash? =-.