11 life lessons from a puppy

Yesterday, I had the privilege to puppy-sit my sister’s pint-sized puggle, Louie. Isn’t he cute!?

No sugar coating it — taking care of a puppy is diligent work that requires a lot of hawk-eyeing, frigid trips to the bathroom, teaching them not to bite with their razor sharp baby teeth (why so sharp!?) and rigorous games of tug-of-war. Good thing they come wrapped up in a warm ball of fluff and fur and are ready to give an endless supply of kisses at any moment. And, bottom line: time with a puppy is better than no time with a puppy!

Every ounce of a puppy is made of pure joy with lots of gentle lessons tucked in along for the ride. So, here are some of the things that Louie let me know to tell you all. . .

1. Play nicely with others — even if the other party isn’t too sure about you (aka big brother Frankie or Charlie) — keep trying and you will convince them to love you 🙂

2. Don’t fight the need for a good, ol’ nap. Feeling crabby, whining a lot? That’s your sign to slow down and take it easy, even if it’s just for a moment (or thirty minutes!).

3. Allow one of the best (and sometimes hardest to come by) virtues of to shine through at all times — patience — need we say more?

4. Look at life like everything and everyone is a new, awesome discovery — if dogs could speak human, I think we’d hear a lot of “WOW” “AWESOME” “YES! I LOVE THAT!” and other positive affirmations to new experiences!

5. Never, ever be afraid to look goofy! Sometimes falling down is the best (and cutest!) thing you can do for yourself!

6. Don’t be afraid to try — want to jump up on that couch that’s two times your size? Carry around a stuffed animal that’s twice your weight? {insert human example here} Go for it!

7. Snuggling makes everything better

8. Believe that all people are good people, who want to love you!

9. Embrace your quirks — little Louie likes to pretend his rawhides are tiny creatures that are playing with him — so, go on and do what makes you feel unique!

10. Just like a puppy, treat those that need our help with unconditional love and support — make good in a life of another — and many others after that!

11. Simply, just be you. Puppies are themselves. . .always and forever.