Thursday, May 3, 2012

My way of thinking: What I've Learned From Dogs

I suppose I write about this subject all the time.  But I thought it might be fun to put it all into some kind of order.

I have had dogs since I was 5 yrs old.  I loved them and they loved me.  But I never really thought about all the things they were teaching me.  It wasn't until about 1996 when I got a dog from a shelter in Key West.  We named her Miss Parker and she loved us from the moment she was released from her prison.  She is a story all by herself and I will tell it soon.  For now, I will talk about the many thing I have learned from the many, many dogs who have changed and enhanced my life.

#1: UNCONDITIONAL LOVE  This is something that dogs have all over their two legged counterparts.  They don't care if you are rich or poor.  They don't care if you punish them.  They will love you no matter what.  Even a dog who is left outside, even chained, will be thrilled to see his human.  They hold no grudges.

#2: FORGIVENESS  Every dog who has come into my life has an enormous capacity to forgive.  I have seen dogs who were abused, and yet they still loved the person who was their abuser.  Talk about turning the other cheek.  I know I couldn't be that forgiving.

#3: LOYALTY  There is no loyalty on earth like that of a dog. We have all seen the stories about the faithful dog who holds vigil over a beloved owner who has passed away.  They grieve every bit as much as the humans.  Maybe more.  They also grieve over the loss of a companion pet, be it dog or cat.  While a dog seems to forget an abuse, they don't seem to forget the loss of a friend.

#4:  ENTHUSIASM  Dogs are interested in the world around them.  Some more than others but all seem to appreciate every tree, every bush, every dog, cat, squirrel, or bird that crosses their path.  They greet each day with joy.  When you come home from work, or even a 10 minute absence, they greet you with wagging tails as if you were gone for a week.

#5:  APPRECIATION  A dog appreciates every pat on the head.  They love those belly rubs, head scratches, and the ever popular butt scratch.  They love every walk, every meal, and every water change.  They love every word of praise, every kiss, and every show of your love.  They are truly sorry if they misbehave and make you reprimand them.  Often they don't know what they did wrong, but they don't ever want you to be unhappy.

#6:  COMFORT  Whenever a dog senses that you are unhappy, they will come to you and offer their comfort and understanding.  They will sit with you quietly and lick away your tears.

I can come up with more, but I try to keep my posts short.  As always, I appreciate your comments.  I always love it when anyone joins my site.  That way you receive my posts via email so you don't have to search them out.

These were some of the things I have learned from dogs.  I work hard to exhibit these same traits.  Dogs inspire me.

                                          Peace and Love,

                                              Austin/Bill

                                  www.wahjr56.blogspot.com















9 comments:

  1. Your observations and appreciation of these realities are so accurate and caring.

    There is much we can learn from our loving companions.

    Your posts are very important. If only one person learns from them, you've done a fine service.

    Thanks for posting these and keep it going!

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  2. wouldn't life be great if we humans were as smart as our furry children!!!

    great blog bill

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  3. Thank you Nancy and Rob for your comments. Indeed the world is a better place when we take a moment to learn the lessons that animals teach us. Humans are not as smart as they think they are.

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  4. Hey Bill, I have friends who have been adopting shelter dogs lately and they've spoken about these topics. It's great to hear it from them and then have it reinforced here on your blog. I hope to move soon so I can have a 4 legged pal again.

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  5. I hope you can get a furry friend too, Dennis. They have so much love to give. I will hold that as one of my good thoughts for you. Shelter dogs KNOW that they have been rescued and they are grateful to you for life!

    Austin/Bill

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  6. Arg.... just wrote a long comment & it disappeared on me!! short version --- Love this post!! so true and tender, every word of it!

    Heidi & Atticus

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  7. Hate it when that happens, Heidi. I can guess what you and Atti would have to say on this subject. Talk about loyalty. Atticus wrote the book.

    Love,

    Austin/Bill

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  8. Bill, Your love for dogs shines through everything you do. You've helped so many dogs find forever homes it is no surprise to me how inspired you are by them. I have three dogs right now (we're dogsitting for my MIL), two cats and a turtle. My life & house would be so empty without having a house full of animals! They are indeed inspiring. Thank you for your post and sharing your inspirations.

    Trish
    www.robertssister.com
    caregiving. family. advocacy.

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  9. These are all things I have learned through you and your love for animals and people alike. I try to keep up!

    Love,

    Jon

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