If you’ve ever had a pet or fallen in love with a friends pet, you know firsthand the effect that they have on you. They change you. Much for the better.

Unconditional Love

The ultimate forgiver. Even if you don’t take them for a walk in a timely manner. Even if you get mad at them for some of their antics. Even if you’re not in your most jovial mood. They love you. Always.

Persistence

That treat from the table. Another walk. Some more love. To be let up on the bed. Whatever they want, they don’t give up. They look at you with those eyes and you can’t resist!

In life or in business, if you don’t give up you always get what you want.

Let it Be

Truly living in the moment. The dog’s life is sleeping, playing, eating and cuddling. Just being. We’re always thinking about the next thing we have to do. Let’s just go with the flow like our beloved pet.

I remember coming home to Aggie when I was in high school. Ever the over-achiever, I’d be stressed and she was just such a light to come home to. Giving her a bit of attention was also allowing myself a bit of downtime. The big test can wait. The best stress-relief!

Let’s Play!

Of course they don’t have to work, but they do seem to have their priorities in order. It’s about enjoying life, loving you, and just playing! They’ll never tire of fetch, wrestling, exploring on a walk. Life is an adventure to them!

Life can easily be overwhelmed by work. Since they don’t have that worry, they get to just enjoy life … and set that example for us. How many walks, runs or rollerblades, romps in the snow, keep away, etc. were really just an excuse for us to take a moment to play? Or maybe a bit of a wrestle as my dad often enjoyed after a 12-14 hour workday.

Relationships

Your pet loves to make new friends. Your pet loves you. Your pet doesn’t focus on what’s on the ‘to do’ list. The ‘to do’ list is all about you. Have you ever noticed when you’re a bit down, stressed, anxious, etc. that your pet knows it and immediately offers support. The truest companion and the best listener.

Relationships are vital. Communication, support, love and perspective … the elements of the best relationships. Aggie didn’t need to be the center of attention, she just wanted to be in the center of us. She kept me company when I was studying, my mom company when my dad was working away from home and would often follow whomever was home (but mostly my mom) around the house to hang out in whatever room we settled in.

Life is Short. Take a cue from Aggie. Live in the moment, enjoy the moment and just let it be!