What Our Dogs Teach Us About Love
What Our Dogs Teach Us About Love
“If you are familiar with my work, you know that the word LOVE plays a big part in who I am and what I do. When someone mentioned that Friday is National Dog Day, I immediately thought about the question what has your dog taught you about Love? My daughters, who are in the dog training and boarding business said, “Every day is National Dog Day for us!” And it made me think that our dogs probably all have that same feeling!
So, as a good researcher, I decided to go to friends and the folks I work with every day and ask that same question. My next job is to make this into a check list for managers…so they can rate themselves on these same elements!! Watch for that!
Here goes:
What Can Dogs Teach Us About Work?
Waking up with our dogs is the best kind of groundhog’s day. Our dogs are constantly teaching us about love.
Have you ever felt like you were “working like a dog?” Do dogs even work that much?? Mine sure don’t! Working remotely during the pandemic has spoiled my dogs since they have access to me 24/7. Whether you have a dog or just know a dog, dogs are connected to our work lives in more ways than we think. When working like a dog, don’t forget to play like one too. Remember to go on walks- take yourself on a walk if no one wants to go with you! Thankfully, you don’t need anyone to hold your leash.
Don’t be afraid to show affection
If you care about someone, don’t leave them any doubts.
Forgive freely and instantly
Never let a friend cry alone
All you need is love
Be sure welcome your workmates warmly each day
Check in on them if it looks like they need some help
Start the day with stretching and play
Communicate what you need clearly
Take breaks to connect throughout the day
Naps are nourishing, make room for wellness breaks
Make new friends without reservation / Connect with others with openness, be interested
Remember your enthusiasm is catching
We need each other and we need to look out for each other
If we take a moment together to reenergize, it can make all the difference
Communication is everything…work at it regularly
Take time to know and understand each other
Watch out for each other, pay attention and be ready to help when others need you
From a dogs point of view:
We’re excited for our routines. We love to get out of bed, our first movements of this brand-new day. We open the door to the backyard and feel the sunshine…and we know breakfast is coming! It’s the same breakfast we’ve had every day but somehow, it’s even more delicious than it was yesterday.
Pee on everything you can…when outside of course
Make sure you hug and cuddle regularly – a few wet licks are a good think
Yell hello (bark) when you see someone you might know or might want to know
If you want to play ball, drop it in front of someone with hands and sit there looking really cute
If the food sucks, don’t eat it. They will give you something better
Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, and they depart to teach us about loss. Always be there for someone especially when it’s needed most. Learn from one another and push yourself to always be your best even when it seems like it’s too far to reach. Live each day to its fullest even when it’s a bad one…there’s always someone there to pick you back up. A dog is the only thing that loves you more than he loves himself. They may not be in our whole lives, but we are all of theirs. Be kind, true, and listen to others. You never know when someone might need it.
