Life Lessons that my dog taught me

 Animals come into our life and make it better in ways that we can never understand. They are in our lives for short time but give us so many important lessons. They make place in our hearts that we did not even know existed. If someone close to me were to describe me, they would say I am HUGE animal lover and I try to be involved in whatever ways I can help them.

 Spud is no more in my family's life as he passed away due to liver tumor in 2017. Not a day goes where he is not missed but I am content knowing that he left so many memories and taught me so many different lessons along with making me a better human being. Spud came from a very abused past from his puppy days and was a very scared dog when we first adopted him. He was a golden retriever and corgi cross.  I still remember that day of April 6th 2009 when my brother went to pick him up from the shelter. I came home from school and my eyes searching for his 4 little paws that were running towards me to greet me. From that day onward coming home meant so special. Spud become an instant joy in my family when he stepped into our home for the very first time. He knew he was home, he knew he found his family.

There were numerous lessons that Spud taught me that I would love to share, but the ones that were off major importance to me are listed below and I hope that it will help at least one person who really needs it. This week's post is for anyone who loves animals, for anyone who have lost their beloved pet and for anyone who really can connect to these lessons. 

1. The first lesson that Spud taught me was to always find                happiness in the littlest things that life has to offer.

I remember when Spud would get a new toy and he would be running around the house with full joy or when  Spud was taken for car rides he would be the most happiest looking out the window and feeling the wind          touch his face. Finding happiness in the smallest thing is so important because you start to live in the moment and enjoy whatever life gives you. 

2. The second lesson that Spud taught me was to love without          conditions and with compassion. Creating positive energy in life.

 Dogs never love based on our appearance, our money, social status etc. They love us  for us. Ever notice how your pet comes to greet you          when they see you? Did you ever notice that dogs are always wagging their tail and how they are used for        stress relieving? College students and hospital patients have special days where dogs are taken to them for stress management and positive energy. This made me realize              that for us humans loving without condition is so hard, we tend to judge on people's appearance, money, and social status. Us humans tend to love on selfish reasons whereas        animals love you for who you are without any selfish                  reasons. 

3. The third lesson that Spud taught me was that when life gets hard just relax and take a deep breath.  

 Often times we tend to get so stressed with life that we                forget to relax and risk our health with overthinking. Whenever I used to be stressed, I would just sit with                    Spud and do exactly what he would do which is relax and take a deep breath.  

4. The fourth lesson that Spud taught me was to always protect our loved ones. 

  Dogs are usually very protective of things and people they love, they don't care how tough someone is but             when it comes to protecting their loved ones they will do anything to protect them. This is a good lesson to learn that no matter what your size is  protect what you love always.    

5. The fifth lesson that Spud taught me is that life is short so just          enjoy it. 

Life is short, you don't know what tomorrow holds so just enjoy your life, enjoy the little moments. Hug the          people you love a little tighter, tell them you love them. Learn to laugh at yourself, be excited to see someone.    Try to shine positive energy and smile a little more. Most importantly, learn to relax and breathe.  

These are few of the lessons that my dog taught me. To be honest one of the most important lesson I learned was to love. Animals teach us to love by their actions, their little paws that run towards you when you come home. Their little licks and the way they shower love. Their innocent eyes which you can't get mad at, teaching us to forgive when they are mischievous.They understand without words. Whenever I used to be up late studying Spud would be awake with me till I slept. Whenever I was upset, he would come and put his head on my lap. My dog taught me all about love without even saying a word. I guess it's true some angels choose fur instead of wings. Sometimes, the therapist have 4 legs. I recently came across this quote that was very touching that I would like to share. Everyone says their dog is the best and none of them are wrong.

It's okay to sometimes eat and sleep, When you fall down get back up, shake it off and forget about it. Be brave no matter what your size. Make your own fun, unleash your talents and learn new tricks no matter what your age. Make new friends and find new opportunities. When loved ones come home, run and greet them and at the end of the day just snuggle no matter what happens, every day is a new beginning.

                                                                        - Unknown 

Every animal and pet teaches us something to better ourselves. Perhaps us humans should take tips on how to enjoy life from them. Dedicated to all animal lovers, to all who lost their beloved pet, and for all those that are going through hard times. Take time out to thank your best friend, your pet. 

This is life through my rose colored glasses.

Life Through Perception.