What Inspires Me: 10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Dogs

It often happens that a man is more humanely related to a cat or dog than to any human being. – Henry David Thoreau

I love animals in general, and dogs in particular, for a wide variety of reasons.

I do not mean to offend anyone here, but I truly believe that dogs are much better than humans in many senses, especially when it comes to the purity of their feelings.

I also believe that dogs are much wiser than most humans, understanding wisdom as the unique faculty to learn from mistakes and apply coherent actions to solve a problem.

I currently have two dogs; one is a male, English Bull Terrier. His name is Aslan.

Aslan's mom lives with my family in Spain. He was born at home. Aslan means Lion in Turkish. Aslan is also the main character of The Chronicles of Narnia. A wise, compassionate, magical authority, mysterious and benevolent guide to the human. The name fits him so well.

The other one, a female crossbreed, rescued from the streets of Santiago de Chile when she was six months old. The poor thing looked like she had gone through hell. She popped up at our front door in a winter morning, and we could not help it; it was love at first sight. Her name is Funky.

Why am I telling you all that?

Because that's the first lesson we can learn from dogs.

Aslan and Funky could not be more different in their nature. They come from completely different backgrounds, and still, they love each other and respect each other the way they are.

That's one of the main reasons I love dogs because they do not prejudge based on appearances, or discriminate others based on class, titles, race, beliefs, or sexual condition.

But there are many other lessons we can learn from dogs...

# 1 Don't Judge Anyone By What They Have

Dogs don't care whether you are the President of the Nation or you sweep the streets. Dogs love you because of who you are, not because of what you have.

# 2 Live In The Present Tense

Dogs don't care about yesterday or tomorrow. Dogs only care about the present moment. Dogs enjoy the ride, every moment of it.

# 3 Let Go And Move On.

Because of their ability to live in the present tense, dogs are incapable of feeling resentment. Dogs forget and move on.

# 4 Be Loyal And Courageous.

Dogs are a living representation of loyalty and courage. Dogs are gregarious (so are humans too), so for them, the unity, safety, and well-being of the whole pack is of vital importance. Dogs would risk their lives to protect their pack from external threats. Dogs never let you down.

# 5 Be Honest.

When dogs need something, they simply let you know. Dogs don't know what the terms double-faced, or hypocrisy mean. Dogs never stab you in the back.

# 6 Quickly Adapt To Unexpected Circumstances

Dogs have an exceptional ability to adapt to change amazingly quick. Dogs appreciate the company more than the place.

# 7 Only Follow Assertive And Calm Leaders

As Cesar Millan said once, human is the only species on this planet, which follows unstable leaders. Dogs only follow calm, assertive leaders. Dogs do not follow or obey unstable people.

# 8 Don't Make Fun Of Someone Else′s Misfortune

Dogs don't use verbal language, they use energy (Beingness) and body language to communicate. When things go wrong, you feel sad, ill, or discouraged, dogs perceive the energy and always try to comfort you. Dogs do not make fun of someone else′s misfortunes or failures.

# 9 Don′t Overcomplicate Their Lives With Material Possessions.

Dog's needs are quite simple, and in essence very similar to our essential needs: food, shelter, fun, affection. For a dog happiness means having the 4 basic needs fulfilled, and that′s their priority. Dogs do not overcomplicate their lives with stupid material possessions that they do not need or can′t afford.

# 10 Learn From Mistakes

Dogs love exploring and trying new things, but when it hurts, they don't make the same mistake twice. Dogs do not fall into the same hole twice.

Conclusion:

We tend to forget who we really are, the purpose of our lives, our essential virtues, and what are the most precious things in life, the things that truly matter and bring real joy to our life.

Perhaps the greatest gift an animal has to offer is a permanent reminder of who we really are. ― Nick Trout

This is what inspires me.

I hope you enjoyed the reading. If so, please do not forget to click on "Like" and share it with others who may find it useful too.

I will love it if you take a minute to comment on this article. That′s the best encouragement to continue to write and share knowledge.

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Jordi Alemany is a creative, insightful, thoughtful and energetic business leader and management consultant, with a contagious passion for humanistic leadership which he instills in everyone around him. He has devoted the past 20+ years of his life to helping businesses and individuals reach their next level and exploit their full potential.

To learn more about Jordi or get in touch with him, please visit his personal site on branded.me

Best regards,

Jordi Alemany

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