Lessons From a Dog

More often than not, we wonder just what our dog is thinking and wish that she could speak English. We can get a pretty good idea of how she feels by her body language - tail wagging or tucked under as far as it will go, happy shiba screaming vs. growling, ears up or pressed against her head, etc, etc.

A couple days ago, I came across a blog post on pinterest (I know...I am becoming one of those people that refers everything back to pinterest and I'm not exactly sure how I feel about that). I loved it. And, while I didn't repin it (I don't have any interest in pinning quotes or stories - although, obviously, I don't mind when others do), but I did email a copy of the link to Hunter because I just loved it.

In quick summation, the post was written by a vet who was attending to a sick dog who needed to be euthenized and it's owners - mom, dad, and a 6 year old son. The son made the profound statement of, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long." Well put. The author then goes on to give a list of things that we could learn if dogs were our teachers. Here it is:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you’re not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

I literally was laughing out loud as I was reading the list because it is so true! Our dog regularly takes part in all of the above. How much more simple and happy would life be if we took some of that advice? Obviously, some of that is for humor's sake and only applies to a dog, but if we were to apply the gist of it to our own lives I think it would make us in general, happier people.

Here's to not letting the little things get you down and trying to live life to it's fullest - and happiest - potential.

Success!

I bit the bullet and did it. I bought a pair of Vibrim five finger shoes. 

Yes, I know they look ridiculous. Yes, I know that any pants/capris/shorts that I will ever want to wear with them will look ridiculous. Yes, I secretly make fun of myself when I wear them - so please feel free to do the same. 

Buuuut, then, when I am wearing them, they are great! I have never been a big fan of shoes, so these are exactly what I need. It seriously feels like I am barefoot but I don't have to worry about stepping on something my barefoot wouldn't like. See, it's the best of both worlds. All it took was getting over a little bit of pride and sense of fashion (wait...do I even have one of those?). They are totally worth it. 

Today I went for my first run in them. I successfully completed just over 2.5 miles in about 25 minutes...which is great time for my first real run* in probably over two years. Everything about today's run felt great. My calves feel like jello at the moment though so we'll see how it really went come tomorrow. Apparently it takes very different muscles to run barefoot. I do think I am in a lot better shape than I expected though. 

*Real Run: running consistently without stopping to walk or running out of motivation part way through. Or just plain justifying walking because if I don't have to expend the energy, then why do it? Right?

So, you may be asking now why did I buy new running shoes if I haven't completed a real run in a real long time. Well here it is: I have been wanting to start running again for a while now. My old shoes (the ones I got just post half marathon - Fall 2009) were done for. I couldn't even complete a shift at work without them hurting me. A couple weeks ago, I decided I was going to do it and bought the shoes. Today, I bought new running clothes. Now I have no excuses - these purchases need to be justified. I even have a goal to work towards: The Dirty Dash on June 2nd. After today I feel like it is sooo doable! And who knows - maybe we'll even works towards a Tough Mudder. 

Happenings

Our last month or so without word clutter.