I’m not someone who believes that everything happens for a reason.
We can debate that over a glass of wine sometime, but I truly think the world is full of chance and randomness.
I do, however, believe that there is a purpose to every single thing that happens. In most cases, that purpose is to teach a lesson.
Lately, I’ve been feeling incredibly sad. I’m not going to dive into a whole political debate (see aforementioned glass of wine), but the state of affairs these days is disheartening at best. Combine that with daily stress, work stress, few consecutive hours of sleep, and all those other pressures we all face day in and day out, and I’ve been feeling run down. Beat up. Burnt out.
And that’s just not me.
So, I did what I always do in these low moments: I turned to my herd.
And I started to think about all the lessons they’ve each taught me along the way, and I was reminded just how flipping lucky I am and how grateful I feel every single day. Now, Violet could earn herself her very own post for all my gratitudes (OMG, you guys, she now has FOUR TEETH and she gives kisses! KISSESSSSS!), but I’m focusing on the furry herd for today.
I’d love to hear from you, too, about what lessons you’ve learned from your pets along the way. Good, bad, scary, ugly, poopy (often literally), what have you learned from the pets who have graced your life?
Here are a few of mine:
Emmett taught me about open-heartedness. He never met a stranger. Did I ever tell you about the time the significantly-inebriated woman stumbled up to us shouting and yelling and falling all over herself? She propped herself up on a fire hydrant and stared at us. Emmett stood there. He stared back at her, just wagging his tail, until she sort of calmed down and then stumbled away. I was anxious, tbh, but he was just like, “Look! A lady! Let’s be friends!” He taught me that kindness for the sake of kindness should be the rule of the day, and it makes everyone happier to be around kindness. And that stubborn mule taught me patience beyond measure. I love him for that.
Lucas taught me to look far beyond the surface of someone to truly understand and relate to them. What you see as toughness or fear or anger or aggression or defensiveness on the outside very often masks a deep pool of sensitivity. Looking beyond that mask is the only way to really understand someone. He taught me that, no matter what’s on the outside and whether it’s authentic or not, the soul never lies. He taught me to dig in and dig deep, and to laugh always, but especially when you do something naughty. I love him for that.
Cooper taught me about limits. He taught me to understand limits, but he also showed me the value of stretching them a little bit now and again. Just when I start to consider a situation from the “oh, Cooper could never do that” angle, he proves me wrong. We work together and learn together every single day, and he reminds me again and again the most important lesson about limits: They don’t define you. He may not ever be a restaurant-patio dog, and that’s fine. He’s a running dog, a backyard-chase dog, a hiking dog, a Violet-minding dog, a kitten-loving dog, a fun-loving-ball-chasing-trick-learning-snuggle-giving-kissing dog. His limits aren’t who he is–no one’s are. I love him for that.
Newt taught me that you always, always have to be you. Unwavering, unapologetic, authentic, and true to yourself and your spirit. She is just so Newt all the time. With her, you know what you’re going to get in just about every scenario, even if that means having your hand nipped because she wants to sit on your keyboard right now, thank you very much, so you can work later. She lives an authentic life. I love her for that.
Ripley… well, Ripley’s lessons are still unfolding, but I can say this: Ripley taught me that there’s no reason ever not to have fun. So far, that seems to be her life’s work: to have fun. We’ll see as she gets older, but her goal in life is to enjoy every moment of it. If there’s a second of downtime, she snatches a toy and dashes around the house with it in her mouth. If anyone pets her, her purrs start at full force. You’re brushing your teeth? You better believe she’ll be sitting in the sink playing with the faucet or the cap to the toothpaste! I love her for that.
There’s so much more to learn from them, you know? This is just scratching the surface, but they’re certainly the highlights that sprang to mind for each of my little furry charges. I think, no matter how each day unfolds, the reality is that I’m incredibly grateful to have these idiots to keep me grounded and in the moment.
How about you? What lessons have you learned from your pets, past or present? Please do share them in the comments! I can’t wait to read them!
Amanda Garlock
I love this.
Daisy taught me never to do things by half measures. If you’re going to fight, use teeth and claws and make sure to win. If you’re going to play, get all four limbs off the ground while running, and have more fun than anyone else out there. Be loud–girls who laugh and yell and sing have more fun. If you’re going to learn, show off your skills and use them to get more rewards. If you’re going to nap, by god, don’t do it with less than 3 blankets, 4 pillows, and someone else’s bathrobe. And sprawl. Living your best life requires a fierce joy, and a streak of selfishness–and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Maggie
Happy tears. That is all. Oh, and hugs.
lak
Noel has taught me to enjoy the moment. We take a long walk everyday unless the weather is less than 5 F. When this girl is off leash she runs with a joy that is beautiful to watch. This dog is the epitome of happiness, regardless of anything else going on. My New Years resolution was to find some joy in each day, my sister was diagnosed with a terminal disease and I can become overwhelmed at times. I will be leaving my work and home to help her in the near future, and life has never been so strange and unpredictable. But when I have my dog out on our walks, well I can stay in just that moment watching her experience pure joy and feeling some as well. And Noel will be with me when I move to assist family, she is good medicine.
Maggie
I’m so sorry for the heavy burden you’re carrying right now, and I’m so glad Noel is by your side, seeing you through. Sending lots of light and love to you and your family.
Vicki Cook
Wow – I would really have to think about that given the ever rotating herd of dogs and cats (and one rabbit) that have moved in and out of my life. Some are easier to remember – like Jasmine, the cat who lost an eye and survived two strokes, but still kept going and going (persistence). Or BJC, who was not the timid little fur ball you would expect, but a very bossy bunny. She ran the house and protected her turf from an assortment of cats (assertiveness). Each one was an individual and brought their own lesson. Thanks for sharing!
Maggie
I had such a chuckle over your description: “a very bossy bunny.” I can just imagine it, and it’s too cute!! I love the lesson of persistence, too. Thank you so, so much for sharing!!
Joanna
Beautiful post, Maggie! <3 I especially love the lessons from Emmett and Lucas – we can all do well to keep these in mind!
Maggie
Thank you so, so much, Joanna! <3
Shadow and Ducky's Mom
Great post, Maggie! I have learned so much from each of my dogs that I wouldn’t know where to start. Kissy taught me persistence. Callie taught me truly unconditional love. Actually, so did Kissy but in different ways. Shadow has taught me not to give up on finding solutions to problems.
And Ducky? Well, let’s start with patience. Then there’s learning to be observant, to not be complacent, and to enjoy every possible moment. But mostly patience. She pushes the outer limits of my patience almost daily in one way or another. But I love my little girl. Not more than Kissy, Callie, or Shadow. Just in a totally different way. She challenges me every day but then turns around and snuggles with me so sweetly my heart melts.
Maggie
Ooooh!!! So, I totally get the patience piece, but what jumped out at me from yours was “to be observant.” That is SUCH a huge lesson, and I think it takes a really special dog to bring that particular message/skill home. I love that so much. Thank you for sharing!!
Kathy deMello
Rusty taught me to live every moment to the max. We lost him in August to cancer at only age 4, but he lived every minute of that short life bursting with joy at full speed, loving everyone he met, loving us with all his heart, and never missing the opportunity to roll around on the ground in a state of pure bliss before zooming off on another adventure.
Rosie teaches me what it means to love and appreciate the good things life has brought She is a rescue that just soaks up every bit of love and comfort she can get. She gets up on the couch, rolls over on her back and just lets out a big sigh of enjoyment. She has also helped me learn to accept people and dogs as they are and that we all have baggage and need understanding as we grow and work though issues.
Jake is only 7 months old and has only been with us 4 months – he came to us not long after we lost Rusty and he has taught me to not be so afraid to open up my heart to love a dog again. I think we are truly teaching each other many small lessons every day about teamwork, trust and patience. He is very smart and a breed mix that likes to think for themselves and sometimes try to decide if what you want is the right thing to do. So I am growing as a trainer and learning new skills.
Maggie
I’m so, so sorry for the loss of Rusty. We never have them for long enough, but his short life is particularly hard. My heart is with you.
I love your Rosie stories, and I’m so grateful for you sharing. As for Jake, he sounds like he’s going to be pretty fun! I’ve found that the dogs who “think for themselves” as you describe can be the most mischievous, too!! 😀
KDKH
Well done! I enjoyed reading this post. I’ve learned many things from my dogs as well as my parrots and cats. Probably I learn even more from my kids and husband, but those lessons aren’t always as uplifting. You’ve got a good crew!
Maggie
Your comment made me laugh!!! I’m learning so many lessons from Violet, too, but with her it’s a lot of learning about myself things I never knew! 😉