Top 5 Lessons I Learned From My Dog

 

Last week we said a painful goodbye to our dear friend, our beautiful Golden Retriever. Paddy was truly the best. She taught us so many things in the years she was with us — much more than 5, but here are the Top 5:

 1. You’re never too old to have fun:

Stay in the moment. . .have a ball. Inspire the people around you with your joy. You couldn’t help but smile when she’d leap to catch a ball. Every day, every catch brought her joy. Find what brings you joy and do it.

2. Move every day: Start your day with a good stretch. . .a scratch behind the ears. Go outside if you’re able. Let the sun warm you. Do whatever activities you enjoy. . .biking, skiing, golfing, walking — maybe even make a snow angel. . .and after you’ve moved, never underestimate the value of an afternoon nap.

 3.Be kind. I’ll say it again. Be kind. . .wag your tail and let your smile reach your eyes. Let the people you love know it. Show compassion and whenever possible; offer comfort.

4. Never turn down an offer to ride in a car. . .especially a ride with no particular destination. . .and if you can’t hang your head out the window, at least take in the sights and sounds around you. Children easily and routinely get excited about little things. As adults we feel it has to be a Big.Deal. to qualify for our excitement. A dog jumps and circles around when it finds out it’s going for a ride in the car — doesn’t matter where it’s going. Though where Paddy was concerned, if that car pulled up at the Dairy Queen, well . . . there was a whole lot more tail waggin’ going on. Get excited about life.

5. Don’t be afraid to look silly. Some of the best times of your life may come when you let your guard down, not caring how you look. Create less ‘wish I had’ moments and more ‘glad I did’ ones. Worry less about what people think of you.

Two days after Paddy left this world, we saw a rainbow coming through a gorgeous blue sky. I like to think this was her saying she made it to heaven and joined some familiar faces — family, friends and our other pets (some of whom were her former roommates). Godspeed ♥.