5 Lessons for a Howl of a Good Time

CHRIS:

As a child, I’m sure one of my parent’s intentions for having a dog was to teach me about responsibility.  But, if I am being honest, my parents ended up doing most of the work. That all changed when Michelle and I began raising our own fur babies. They have been responsible for teaching us some valuable life lessons.  Here are five lessons we have learned from each of the many dogs we have shared throughout our married life.

MICHELLE:

1. Place your trust wisely.  I am, what some would call, a naive person.  I believe that most people are good with good intentions.  Something our dogs have taught me is that it’s okay to question people as you meet them. Take the time to sniff them out (obviously not literally as a human that would be awkward) and garner trust before putting effort into that relationship.  Today, I still believe that most people are good. I also value really getting to know people before letting them into my life.

CHRIS: 

2. Forgiveness is key.  When our dogs get in trouble, they get scolded, sulk for about a minute, and then hop on our laps full of kisses.  Instead of harboring resentment or negativity — whether it’s towards Michelle for something she did or did not do or a client wanting a change after the install — extending grace can improve your outlook and situation.

MICHELLE:

3. Connection with our loved ones is vital.  All of our dogs are cuddlers.  Whether I am in a bad mood, busy working or not paying much attention to them, they still want to cuddle.  Even on our busiest days, they prompt us to remember that a little cuddle session with one another is all we need to reconnect.  They are happy just to be around us and isn’t that a great reminder that life doesn’t have to be perfect. 

CHRIS:

4. My wife is amazing.  Koda was a pug that wasn’t supposed live 11 days and yet he gave us 11 amazing years.  But he was definitely Michelle’s dog.  She couldn’t walk in the room without him going crazy. When we took him to the emergency room in the last week of his life, he was placed in an oxygen bubble all day. He was dazed and confused; however, the moment he heard Michelle’s voice, his head popped up, tail started wagging and he was wiggling out of the nurse’s arms to be with Michelle.  On days when we’re all glued to our phones, I appreciate this lasting reminder that I should show my enthusiasm when I see my wife.  

MICHELLE:

5. Have fun.  Our pups have shown us that the most expensive toy or a simple sheet of paper can be amazing.  This is a great reminder that fun is all around us!  So, do what our dog does, shred some paper and throw confetti!