What Being A First-Time Dog Mom Taught Me About Life

As the proud owner of a German Shepherd, I can attest to the fact that dogs are one of God's most beautiful creations. My pet dog, believe it or not, has made me a happier and more content person. Sure, I have grown up with a fair share of pets around me. But it wasn't until I brought Zuni home, and took full responsibility for her as a parent, that I observed many things about dogs. Apart from being a continual source of unconditional love and heavenly innocence, she has taught me a number of life lessons that no one else, including a human, could have taught me. Here are some of the things I've learned from my four-legged child.

1. Equality

My canine baby treats everyone with the same affection, whether it's my parents or relatives, our housekeeper or plumber. Dogs are unique in that they treat everyone equally, regardless of caste, colour, creed, or financial standing. They merely want 'love' in return from everyone, which makes life easier for them.

2. Loyalty

She would never leave me for anyone in the world, no matter how much you bribe her with food or toys. For dogs, loyalty is more important than everything else in the world. Thus they teach us to be faithful in our relationships.

3. Nowness

Dogs teach us to be present in the now and to appreciate every minute of life. They don't dwell on the past or try to predict the future. That's how they stay stress-free and wag their tail at random times. I suppose it isn't an insurmountable problem for people as well.

4. Life Is Easy If You Ask For What You Want

This is one of the most valuable lessons I've learned from my pup. She'll go to the kitchen and bark if she's hungry. She will fetch her toy and set it on my lap if she wants to play. She'll sit next to me and demand a belly rub if she needs some lovin’. In essence, she solves her life's issues by simply asking for what she desires. Isn't it possible for us to do the same?

5. Be The Light In Someone's Life

My pup somehow sniffs my mood and rubs my feet with her wet nose to indicate her worry whenever I'm down. If my alarm doesn't go off in the morning, she licks my face to wake me up. When I come home from anywhere outside and see her waiting for me at the front door, I can't describe how happy I am. No matter how bad my day is, my puppy always manages to bring a smile to my face. And wouldn't it be fantastic if we could bring a grin to someone's face?