Appreciation for Dogs and Dog Lovers

I absolutely adore dogs. I’ve never owned a dog; I am currently owned by four cats. But I have always wanted to have a dog because of their bright, goofy, happy spirits.

Dogs have such a fantastic attitude toward life, have you ever noticed that? It doesn’t matter what else is going wrong, show them a ball or a treat or a leash and they are suddenly slobbering, grinning, panting, tail-wagging balls of joy!

photo credit: OakleyOriginals

Dogs are forgiving, loyal, affectionate, playful, patient creatures. Mankind can learn a LOT from them.

They offer a great example for how we could be happier in our own lives. No, not by pooping outside and licking ourselves in public…ha!

But by living more in the moment like dogs do. They’re not worried about where their next meal is coming from.

They’re not worried about what just happened a few minutes ago – they are open to the flow of joy and adventure right NOW.

One of our neighbors has a basset hound, and he has got to be the happiest dog I’ve ever seen in my life. Every day when my neighbor takes him for a walk, he prances by with a pep in his step, tail wagging in cadence, big old smile on his face.

Just watching him makes me feel happy because he is so obviously enjoying every second of his walk.

If I had to describe a dog’s dominant mindset, I would describe it as content, joyful, patient, enthusiastic, loving, optimistic and playful. That’s a great mindset for us to have too, because it places us in the perfect mental and emotional place to start receiving more and more great things into our lives.

photo credit: loop_oh

Compare that to worrying, doubting, straining, struggling, fighting, obsessing . . . none of which serve us at all.

The next time you need an emotional boost, think about a happy dog wagging its tail, grinning big and eagerly awaiting its next adventure, then adopt the same attitude yourself.

And if it makes you want to roll around in the yard too, go right ahead.