Relax - Lessons from a Dog

Apr 8, 2016 at 09:24

As I was speaking in Gympie I decided to invite a friend and her dog Boof to come with me. After the lecture we headed to Rainbow Beach for a afternoon adventure.

On the trip Boof was teaching me the best use of time. As we drove up to Gympie he stretched out on the back seat. Stopping for a rest stop he became excited and enjoyed running around and watching the people eat. Boof gets very interested in food.

Back in the car, it was snooze time.

During the time I was lecturing Boof and his best mate walked around town looking for new discoveries, full of enthusiasm the whole time. When he returned to the venue he simply sat or stood and wagging his tail and made lots of new friends.

On the beach later, he ran around like a puppy, having lots of fun. He when joined his best mate in the water. The beach had small holes full of lovely warm water. At one point his best mate was lying in one of these pools, Boof watched from a distance, when quietly walked up and "stood guard" behind her.

As we enjoyed the water Boof found a dry patch of sand and nodded off.

I sat and watched my furry friend and contemplated the lesson he was teaching me. He wasn't getting stressed, unless his best mate was out of sight, he made the most of what he was presented with.

He played when he could. he slept when he could.

Animals have much to teach us about being present, being real and going with the flow.

Boof is a rescue dog, part Wolfhound, part Staffy. He has a gentle nature, in saying that while he was in a doggy detention camp he came close to loosing his mind. Wolfhounds are people dogs, they love company. Being locked in a small cage would have messed with his mind.

His rescuer and saviour is now the full focus of his love and affection. He is constantly watching out for his best mate. He is happy when he has someone to hang out with and beside himself with joy when that is his best mate.

There are lessons to learn everywhere, some people are simply too damaged to pick up the signs. Animals can open our hearts, clear our brains and allow us to love again.

One more lesson, instead of pointing fingers, try wagging your tail, or the human equivalent - smile!

Have you read Kissing the Black Dog yet??