Last week I gave a back story to my dog, Jaxx. Click here to read it if you haven’t yet. He’s the goofiest and most sensitive dog I’ve ever met. Adopting him was the best decision I’ve ever made. Since adopting him in April, I’ve learned so much from him in the most simple ways. It almost sounds ridiculous to list them because they feel like common sense but in most people’s lives, they haven’t been as “common” as we’d like them to be.

What my dog has taught me:

1. It’s ok to rest.

Jaxx sleeps a lot. Whether it’s because he’s physically or emotionally exhausted, or just passing time. He lets himself rest when he knows that he needs to. It’s a very unique thing to see in an anxious being. Usually, they’re go-go-go but he goes until he can’t, then he lets himself re-coop. When he sleeps because he’s bored I always imagine it as a meditative thing. That when you’re relaxed enough sometimes you drift off into sleep. Remarkable.  

The picture on the right was taken when we were on a boat. He laid down and passed right out under the sun. It was really cute.

2. Balance is key.

I have never met a dog like Jaxx, especially in this respect. He doesn’t eat his meals right away. Instead, he waits until he’s hungry (or that’s what I’m assuming he waits for). It’s really hilarious to see a dog act like this. My dog growing up would eat her food as soon as it hit her dish. Jaxx balances himself. He eats more when he’s more active and won’t eat as much when he’s less active. It’s bizarre and admirable at the same time. He’s very in tune with himself.

3. You don’t have to hurt those who hurt you.

To my knowledge, Jaxx has never bit anyone. His least favourite thing in the world is getting his nails cut. I usually chase him around the house with clippers and he tries to lay down tucking all his paws underneath him. He has some trauma from nail cutting before we adopted him. Never once when I cut his nails has he tried to hurt me. I know how much he hates it. When I have his paw in my hand he make a really sour face, like he’s just tasted a lemon. Every time I’m done one nail he starts jumping, wagging his tail, and licking me. It’s like he celebrates for facing his fear. I have no words other than ADORABLE. Anyway, this lesson I thought was interesting. Dogs are so forgiving and they make it look so easy, imagine if it just was that easy. Forgive, and celebrate.

I know these last two posts are kind of weird but I’ve been unemployed for about 6 weeks and I’ve been spending every day with him. He’s really helped me stay on track, it sounds funny but it’s truthful. Dogs are the best therapy.