I hate to break it to the people who use the phrase, “it’s just a dog,” but nothing could be farther from the truth. Dogs, in my humble opinion, are the purest animals that exist on our planet. Their simplicity, enthusiasm, and loyalty are just a few of the primary reasons why they’re loved so dearly by millions of people throughout the world. My little guy, Charlie, is going to be three-years-old next week and it goes without saying that he’s made a inspirational and profound impact on my life in that short amount of time. There’s no doubt that I’m a better husband, father, and person because of my little furry friend. I hope that with this post you can either relate to my relationship with Charlie with your fellow companion or discover that your dog is making a similar impact in your life. Below, you’ll find the five life lessons that I learned from my little guy:

1. Enjoy the simple pleasures that life presents you: Without question, Charlie’s simplicity is arguably my favorite thing about him. He loves anything and everything about the outdoors, playing with his toys, and eating a treat after being a good boy. His simple pleasures have translated into my life and transformed my appreciation for the little things. While some might find sitting outside on a sunny day and reading the paper or cooking a favorite meal boring in nature, I find the simplicity of the leisurely activites refreshing and straightforward.
2. Follow your instincts: How many of us question tens, if not hundreds, of our thoughts, actions, and decisions that we make on a daily basis? When Charlie smells a scent in the park, he doesn’t question the instinct-he follows that smell all the way to the bush and takes care of business. I strive to follow the same level of motivation, albeit with different respective outcomes, in my life. Whether it’s personal or professional, I have learned from Charlie that if your gut tells you to do it, then it’s best to honor that instinct.
3. Live in the moment: In this technology-driven, on-the-go, more, more, more world that we live in, it’s revitalizing what time spent with a dog can do. It’s inspiring to be around an animal that’s so pure and in the moment. Charlie’s not worried about the past or what the future might hold-he just wants me to throw his toy so we can play fetch. He wants to cuddle up next to me on a cold winter night and fall asleep next to me. He wants to me to never stop rubbing his belly. That refusal to think beyond the present is what I strive to instill in my life everyday.
4. Avoid a bite when a growl will do: In today’s day and age, especially with the growth of social media, everyone has a platform to levy their anger and/or frustration. It seems that our world is filled with negativity, largely in part because people don’t know how to manage their anger in a healthy way. While I’m naturally a calm person, I still experience moments of stress and frustration just as most of us do. If more people could recognize the healthier alternatives to help suppress their anger, such as regular exercise, listening to calming and relaxing music, talking with a loved one, and practicing controlled breathing, among many others, I know this world would be a more positive place. While it might be tempting to go for the bite, Charlie and I agree that you’ll feel much better about yourself and your overall mental well-being by settling for the growl.
5. Sometimes it’s best just to sit close and listen: Again, with the growth of social media, it seems that everyone thinks that their opinion deserves to be heard. Everyone believes what they have to say is front page news and that it’s worth millions of dollars. I’ve vastly improved my patience by having dog and I’ve learned that it’s better to be silent and wait for the entirety of the message or information that someone conveys to me instead of interrupting them. Then, after breaking all the information down, I can respond with a rational, informed message of my own. Or, perhaps it’s appropriate to not say anything at all and just be there for the person to express their thoughts and emotions. As crazy as it sounds, I believe my active listening has improved extensively thanks to Charlie. Additionally, I’ve learned that sometimes silence is a good thing-you shouldn’t have to be speaking all the time to feel comfortable around someone (and if you do, you aren’t really comfortable around them).

I’ve learned and absorbed more from my favorite little furry friend than I ever would have imagined when he was peeing and pooping on my floor back when he was a puppy. I tear up when I think about the bond we share together and all of the memories we’ve created in his short time with me. His enthusiasm when I walk in the door, the way he licks my face after dinner to make sure I ate every bite, the way he tilts his head when I asks if he wants to go to the park, and his genuine love for life are what makes him special to my family and I. I love you, Charlie Harris. You truly are a man’s best friend.

What has your furry friend taught you about life?

Thanks for reading!

— Chris