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Don’t we all feel turmoil in the air? There’s too much happening, too fast. The planet seems scarier and more chaotic than ever. Yet, there’s one member of my family who always seems, well…calm. She’s my little terrier, Libby. And here are some coping skills she’s taught me…

Live in the Present – Yes, a dog’s life is less complicated than a human’s, but boy, I envy their “joie de vivre.” Like any canine, Libby loves the small things in life — her morning bark-fest at any animal in the woods, treat-time at lunch (keeps her distracted from begging for my food) an afternoon nap, playtime, dinner, and snuggles with Mom at night.

Libby loves the rhythm of her life. She gets up every day as if to ask: “You mean, we get to do this again?” Why is it dogs never seem plagued by that neurotic anxiety so many humans (including myself) have? More and more, I try and adopt her “live for the moment” attitude.

Be Brave – As small as Libby is, (about 10 lbs.), I’m convinced she’d run into the jaws of a Saber tooth tiger to save us. Where our cat Rocky hides under the bed at the faintest whiff of danger, Libby charges forward.

I marvel at the difference between cats and dogs. (I definitely identify with cats). Dogs don’t hesitate a second. I think its one reason the police and military use them. I wish I had Libby’s bravery, standing up to what frightens her, even if it’s the garbage truck. In these turbulent times, I love her pint-sized pluck.

Love Unabashedly – When Libby isn’t guarding us from impending doom or barking at morning squirrels, she’s touching us… always.   If I sit on any chair, she’s in my lap. When watching TV at night, she lies on me, looking up with those liquid, brown eyes.

As humans, it’s easy to hold back from showing affection. Ego and fear of rejection get in the way. But I see how dogs don’t care about that. They love anyway, even though sometimes (sadly) it’s one-way.

Do What Feels Right – Libby would make a yogi jealous when it comes to listening to her body. When tired, she’ll sleep, even in the middle of a crowded kitchen. When she feels like fetching, she grabs a toy and pushes it at us (even at 6:30 a.m.) When thirsty, she drinks. When hungry, she eats.

Sometimes I find myself pressured to get things done, even when I’m tired. Then I’ll see Libby lying in the sun. I’ll stop and sit beside her, feeling the warm rays on my face. Ahh… it always feels good.

Stay Focused – When Libby turns her attention to something, nothing else matters. Whether an errant chipmunk or a toy hovering in the air about to be tossed, Libby’s focus makes Yankee Pitcher Masahiro Tanaka look scatterbrained.

Where sometimes I drift through my day (with LOTS of Facebook and Twitter detours), Libby does one thing at a time and doesn’t look left or right. I admire how she channels her energy. It inspires me to harness my own attention better.

Have fun – Libby has playtime built into every day. She has an arsenal of toys and every few hours, pulls one out, just for kicks. She loves fetching. Her eyes grow wide. She smiles. She’s excited.

I can’t help but look at her and think I should schedule more fun in my days. Many times, I’ll stop and throw Libby her toy. It helps pull me out of my own rut. Seeing her goofy glee, reminds me that life is supposed to be joyful.

I’ve seen the same thing every time with pets. You adopt them, thinking you’ll change their lives. But instead, they change yours.

I’ve learned something from all my animals, and Libby’s no exception.

Most of what she’s taught is simple, but important… be brave, stay focused, have fun, love, and every day take a moment to sit in the sun.

 

Do your pets teach you? Comments are always welcome and if you’d like to share, feel free!

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Comments(75)

  1. I really liked this. I’m trying to practice it too! Just this afternoon I got tired of working and got my son’s peg board out and made a picture. I actually told him I was going downstairs to play. He said ‘That’s good’ and didn’t even come to join me!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Jennie, I think animals have much to teach us about living in this world. Thanks for reading.

  2. Currently, our geriatric Corgi is teaching us about getting old. Duke is around 18 years old (he was a rescue so we’re not exactly sure) and his sight and hearing is diminishing. He doesn’t get around like he used to so we’re learning patience that is helping us deal with other older people around us. We know his days are numbered but we’re enjoying the time he has left.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Shelley, Wow. 18 years is a long life for a dog. Sounds like Duke is teaching you a lot about patience and dealing with the elderly. It also sounds like you gave him a good life.

    • Ann Donnelly

    • 7 years ago

    🤗. Wonderful! Go Libby!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Thank you, Ann!

  3. Watching my rescue dog go from a neurotic mess to a loved puppy has taught me a lot. No matter how “unloveable” we may act or look, we are always loveable to the right heart. And amen to all the lessons you put above! Wonderful reminders in a chaotic time.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Thank you, Kristine. Its amazing how dogs love so unconditionally.

  4. It has happily surprised me the way staying present calms me down. I guess I might have thought I don’t want to notice what’s happening in the present. I think living mindfully is my saving grace

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Carla, Its been my saving grace too. I’ve been feeling very stressed and living in the moment definitely helps.

  5. I think pets are all about simple, unconditional love. They are so easy to please, and they’re satisfied with us showing them some affection in return. We’ve progressed from dog people being cat people now, they’re less “needy” but you can’t beat the love of a dog can you?

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Leanne, I’ve had a cat and a dog at any time, all my life. I’ve tried to go without either species and find it hard. I need the energy of a dog, but love the sensual cuddliness of a feline.

  6. If only all humans could be like dogs…you can yell at them for doing something bad and a minute later, they lick your face with love…

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Renee, We all learn so much about love, and life, from our animals.

    • Pam

    • 7 years ago

    My girls gave me my little fur baby just before the youngest moved out to go to college. He is the sweetest little thing – a 10 lb Yorkie-Poo named, Tucker and he is the love of my life. I’ve learned many things from my sweet pup. One of the things he reminds me is to get excited to see people when they come over. Put everything else aside and enjoy visiting with them. I don’t jump up and down and lick them, but I do make them feel wanted, loved, and appreciated. Just like my little pup makes me feel. 🙂 Sweet post!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Pam, Laughing. Yes, jumping up and licking your guests might be much. Libby is part Yorkie and part Pappilon. I love these small dogs so much!

  7. My dog smiles. He smiles all the time, except when he’s protecting us from squirrels or the Fed Ex man.. People want to be with him because he just smiles at them, genuinely. What has he taught me besides your list… it’s to like people. That doesn’t mean get taken advantage of, but for the most part, except for squirrels and the Fed Ex man, beings are worthy of smiles.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Beth, Good point. When Libby likes someone, she jumps on their lap and kisses them! Although I won’t go that far, she’s taught me to take a more positive view of the human race.

  8. She sounds like a doll! Yes I learn from my cats and try to be more catlike.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Haralee, I love felines. I couldn’t live without my cat, Rocky. They teach as much as dogs, but much different lessons.

  9. I need to read this 45 more times. At least.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Michelle, Laughing. Its only because I’ve been in a state of shock lately, I needed to come up with this list.

  10. I admire Libby’s ability to sleep anywhere. I have a hard enough time even sleeping in bed sometimes – especially in summer.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Bun, Its amazing what dogs can sleep through… and on. I’ve seen them curl up on a cement floor and sleep. Amazing.

  11. Pets teach us the most valuable lessons! My cats have taught me so many lessons, including the art of mindfulness, the importance of play and of asking for what you need. Lovely post!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Thank you! Yes, my cat Rocky has taught me how to take it slow and keep away from stress. No wonder he’s about to turn 15! I’m glad your cats teach you as well.

  12. From my cat, Gus, I’ve learned to keep my act together or behave like I do. From my dog, Abby, I’ve learned that pushing a few boundaries and being discouraged is better than not trying.

    I’m amazed that I came up with that, but it’s true.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Yes, Susan. I think dogs engage in the philosophy: its easier to apologize later than ask permission now.

    • Helene Cohen Bludman

    • 7 years ago

    Our pets provide us with love and a road map for living. Love this post!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Thank you so much, Helene.

  13. Love, love, love. We lost our sweet rescue dog a few weeks ago. Miss her so much! I wrote a post last fell about the things she taught me.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Leah, So sorry for your loss. Our pets teach us so much. I love the way my Libby is so chill. She accepts everything as it comes. Wish I could be like her, but I’m trying.

  14. What a beautiful tribute to Libby and good advice too! Thanks for sharing.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Shari, Thanks so much. Its hard not to be inspired (at times) by dogs.

  15. Enjoyed reading this. And, yes, those pups do teach us…they have such commitment to their every day world.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Laurie, That’s a good word for dogs — committed. They do nothing half-way and that’s what makes them inspiring.

  16. We can learn so much from our pets (who are also our best friends). My Shih Tzu Isabel is pretty chill most to the time. But, she HATES thunderstorms and gets very frightened of them. That’s when I try to calm her down (usually to no avail).

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Mimi, My dog Simon used to hate thunderstorms. He’d freak out, sometimes half an hour before they got there. He could feel them coming. Sounds like Isabel is the same way. We got Simon a thunder shirt, which helped a little.

  17. This is actually a really great way of describing actual steps we can take to calm ourselves down and live for now more than yesterday or tomorrow. Thanks! Having fun has always been my favorite, but “do what feels right” is hilarious. Dogs do what dogs want. A stubborn dog, though very well trained, will just sit down when he/she wants a rest. It doesn’t matter that you’ve got work to go to, doggo wants to sit so doggo sits. XD

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Tom, Yes, canines definitely have a stubborn streak. They take their pleasure (sometimes, ahem, indiscreetly) where they find it. Thanks for reading!

  18. I’m sitting here watching the news from the Las Vegas shooting and it’s hard to capture that feeling of calm. I need a Libby in my life!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 6 years ago

      Rena, So true. I guess Libby can only take us so far, but she’s a good beginning.

  19. You make some great points about how we can increase happiness by letting our dogs lead the way. I need to hang out with our dog, Bolt, a little more and let him be my zen master. Thank you for taking the time to write this up!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 6 years ago

      Karen, I think dogs are the ultimate zen masters. They live totally in the present and don’t sweat the small stuff… which to them is everything.

  20. I don’t know what I’d do without my two little dogs. They are definitely a calming influence in this crazy world. Funny too. We all need humor in our lives and dogs are natural comedians.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 6 years ago

      Rebecca, I also love the innocence of animals. They have no idea who’s President or which political party we belong to. There’s something about that which puts everything in perspective.

  21. Dogs are our best teachers!
    I just saw a post asking if anyone had some puppies they would share for a little ‘puppy therapy’. The idea is to lay face-down on the floor and let a pile of puppies crawl all over you. Best. Therapy. Ever!!!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 6 years ago

      Diane, OMG! Where is that? I’m signing up!

  22. Hi Laurie! I hope you don’t mind but I revisited this post again today and enjoyed it so much I’d like to send it out in my weekly newsletter so that others can enjoy it too. The wisdom is just as – or even more – applicable today as it was when you originally wrote this. Our pets can teach us so much!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 6 years ago

      I’d love it Shelley! Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed reading about Libby.

  23. I agree completely. The only constraint I wish Harper (my dog) would observe is holding back a little “letting it rip” whenever and wherever he pleases! 🙂

      • Laurie Stone

      • 6 years ago

      Lee, Yes, Libby also has her share of “challenges”… like not being (ahem) completely housebroken. She also likes to eat Randy’s socks. Since these acts didn’t fit into her “wise sage” image I tried to portray, they will have to be our little secret.

  24. They have a lot to teach us. I miss my own little guy so much.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 6 years ago

      Carol, Your little doggie was so cute. I’m sure you miss him so much.

  25. I don’t have a dog but I do have cats – they teach me to chill out too! The girl cat loves her sleep & doesn’t like to “poo” outside – she prefers the sand tray in her corner to settle her bum on! She has standards that cat! 😜

      • Laurie Stone

      • 6 years ago

      Linda, Cats are so clean and take such good care of themselves. That’s one of the many things I love about them.

  26. Libby has figured out the way to happiness, Laurie. And all we need to do is follow her example. We don’t have a dog now, after having 1-2 dogs for many years. We do miss these lessons our dogs taught us about life. Libby could be a life coach.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 6 years ago

      Molly, Libby could be a life coach. Now if we could just train her to do less of the heart attack-inducing sudden barking and occasional housebreaking slip-ups, we’d be all set!

  27. Libby makes it look so easy….

      • Laurie Stone

      • 6 years ago

      Emily, Dogs never sweat the small stuff. They live totally in the moment, and if lucky, love (or at least accept) every minute.

  28. When I’m tired I sometimes feel like I could sleep in the middle of the kitchen floor. Life dreams?

      • Laurie Stone

      • 6 years ago

      Jennifer, Laughing.

    • Sandra Watson

    • 5 years ago

    Wonderful tips…if only we could be more like our canine companions!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 5 years ago

      Sandra, Ain’t that the truth!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 5 years ago

      You said it, Sandra!

  29. It saddens me we need reminders now. Thanks for sharing.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 5 years ago

      Lauren, I seem to need reminders constantly. Thankful for Libby…and thanks for reading!

  30. My two little dogs keep me sane. One of them, in particular, can be a little neurotic at times, but it’s because she feels her job is protect me from everything. The other one is totally mellow and old. They make me go for walks and snuggle and I love it.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 4 years ago

      Rebecca, My little dog is also neurotic, but how sweet to have a creature that loves you so much. Going for walks and snuggling can only help you right now. Thank God for your little furry friends.

    • Carol Cassara

    • 4 years ago

    Libby has the right idea, for sure!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 4 years ago

      She sure does!

  31. We have Cocker Spaniels, a Cockapoo, a rescue and I dog sit my son and dil two pups. I know that sounds crazy but I love it. They are a joy and your piece was wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Teresa

      • Laurie Stone

      • 3 years ago

      Thanks so much, Teresa. Sounds like you have quite a menagerie!

  32. Why does it take a sweet dog to teach us (weird animals at the top of the food chain) what is truly important in this world?
    Family. Focus. Food. Fun. Forget the freaky, fouled up future. (hmmm…that’s a lot of F’s.)
    Simply live in the moment and breathe!
    We need more Libbys!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 3 years ago

      Diane, So very true. Going to hug Libby right now!

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