Minimalist life lessons from my dog
We should all strive to be more dog
This is a special week for my little family.
January 24 marks my dog Lady’s 11th adopt-a-versary! The shelter said she was 5 when I got her, which means it’s also her sweet 16 — though I often wonder/hope she’s younger.
Adopting an adult dog meant I didn’t know if she’d make it to this point, but the fact that she’s here and thriving* makes me so happy and proud.
*We were told she has no major health issues at her last veterinary check-up, which was such a relief.
I don’t talk about Lady too much on here, but I love her deeply. She’s a massive part of my world — you could even say it revolves around her. I was only 21 when I adopted her, so she’s been with me for almost my entire adult life.
She was there for all the job changes, relationships, and moves … I mean, we’ve been halfway across the world and back again as we bounced between Canada and the UK!
And she truly has been my best friend through all of it. She’s been my adventure buddy, my relaxation companion, my WFH assistant, and my emotional support animal. To this day, just looking at her instantly boosts my mood. I can always rely on her to make me feel better.
People are often surprised when they find out I adopted her at such a young age. The general consensus seems to be that it’s better to wait until you’re more settled to get a dog, or any sort of creature you need to take responsibility for. I completely understand the logic, but I have no regrets. I’ve always managed to make it work. And even though I’ve skipped out on parties and trips because I needed to care for Lady, the joy and love she brings far outweigh any stresses or inconveniences.
I’m a firm believer that the people that say ‘they’re just dogs’ haven’t spent enough time around animals. We can learn a lot from their lack of human greed, selfishness, and societal pressures. That’s why I wanted to dedicate this post to Lady and everything she’s taught me over the past eleven years.
I believe that she — and most animals, I suppose — is a fantastic minimalist. Of course, as a dog she has no concept of the material world (though she is quite possessive of her bed), but she’s an expert at appreciating the simple pleasures of life. I’d love to be her for a day and experience the pure bliss she feels when she’s doing something she enjoys.
So without further ado, here are six key life lessons my dog has taught me.
Lesson 1: Stop & Smell The Roses (Or Bushes)
Lady is a bit of a funny dog. She’s not into toys or rough housing, but she loves a good sniff. On every walk, no matter how short or long, she encourages me to also slow down and embrace the beauty of the present. For her, it’s having a good sniff — she’s especially partial to bushes and flowers. I’m more visually driven as a human. So while she’s doing her thing, I’m reminded to look around me and admire my surroundings. And if it’s gloomy out and I can’t find beauty? I look at that sweet little tail wag.
IMO, humans are pretty bad at living in the present. We’re always worrying about the future or thinking about things we could have done better in the past. Plus, there’s the constant call of our screens, which gets worse with every year. I’m so thankful that I’ve had Lady to ground me and bring me back to the present for all of these years, even if it’s meant walking through the pouring rain and freezing cold. Those little breaks are important.
Lesson 2: Embrace Comfort
Lady doesn’t mess around when it comes to comfort. One of her cute quirks is her obsession with mounds. She’ll lie on stacks of blankets or pillows (going to bed is a bit of a struggle every night, but we manage) and rearrange her bed so she’s lying on an angle. But it’s not just about the physical aspects of comfort. Lady will let it be known if she’s in a situation where she feels uncomfortable. It’s like she lives by that Kim Cattrall quote, “I don’t want to be in a situation for even an hour where I’m not enjoying myself.”
Both Lady and Ms. Cattrall have advantageous life positions that allow them to enjoy the majority of their days, but the rest of us mere mortals have to deal with things that bring us displeasure. Jobs we dislike. Bureaucracy and paperwork. Chores. Getting caught behind people that walk slowly. The list goes on.
That’s why I think it’s a good thing to embrace comfort whenever you can. Snuggling up in bed. Curling up on the couch. Wearing clothes that make you feel good. Rewatching your favourite shows. Hugging someone you love. No matter how crazy the world feels, there are always ways to find comfort.
Lesson 3: Soak Up The Sun
Lady is a California girl (she was rescued from a shelter down there), and her love of the sun remains strong even after I’ve moved her to some of the gloomiest places on the planet. She’ll take any opportunity to can to sneak in a little sunbathing session — like mother, like daughter.
Feeling the warmth of the sun against your skin is one of life’s loveliest little pleasures, IMO. Especially after a long winter. Even if we’re just on our balcony, it’s an easy mood booster.
Lesson 4: Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For What You Want
Ok, so sometimes Lady goes overboard with this. Her body clock is incredibly fine-tuned and she often begs for her dinner in the early afternoon (it’s meant to be at 5pm), which always puts me in an awkward position. However, I respect that she knows what she wants and she goes for it. No overthinking, no doubts.
I’m pretty good at the material side of minimalism (being low-buy, determining needs vs wants, etc) but my brain is still a work in progress. As much I like embracing simplicity in my life, my thoughts can easily go into overdrive. I know I hold hold back on certain things out of fear. In this sense, I sometimes wish I was as audacious as a pampered chiweenie asking for her dinner at 2pm.
Lesson 5: Treasure Good Company
Any dog owner will agree that the best thing about having a dog is their unwavering enthusiasm and love. You can leave your house for 5 minutes just to run to the shop, and they’ll still be excited to see you return. They treasure good company, and they don’t ask for anything more.
Lady doesn’t care if we’re having a chill night in or if we’re going on a long trip. She’s just happy to be along for the ride. And sometimes, that’s all you need. A good conversation with a friend, no matter where it is or what you’re doing. Us humans get so caught up in the planning that we forget that the company is really the most important thing. Sure, an aesthetic restaurant is nice, but sometimes the deepest laughs and the most understanding is felt when you’re just chilling at home in your sweatpants.
I also admire how unapologetic dogs are about their love. When they runs around us in excitement, give us endless kisses, and plop down in our laps, I imagine it’s the human equivalent of writing a love letter. We tend to shy away from such bold expressions because they’re deemed to be too much, but giving and receiving love is one of the best things about life. Why should we be shy about our love for our favourite people?
Lesson 6: Learn To Forgive
Lady might be a sassy little diva, but she doesn’t hold grudges. I’m sure she gets annoyed with me on a daily basis when I don’t give her unlimited snacks, but she always gets over it and goes back to being her sweet, loving self.
I can have a stubborn nature and have held some loooong grudges in the past. Don’t get me wrong, some people don’t need to be in your life. Anyone that’s genuinely toxic or abusive should go. Hell, I even support unfollowing that annoying ex co-worker that you feel obliged to keep on your list (let’s be real, you’re probably never going to see them again). But if someone that genuinely cares about you messed up, give them some grace. Sometimes humans don’t let themselves see different perspectives and let pride get the best of them. I’m speaking from experience, of course.
In the past few years I’ve learned to forgive, and it’s been so freeing. I let go of a decade-long grudge and I feel so much peace now. Imagine how a dog that gives everyone the benefit of the doubt must feel!
And with that said, I’m off to give my baby some well-deserved cuddles.
Thank you for reading. This was a slightly different topic than usual, so I hope you enjoyed it and learned something from it. If you have an animal in your life, what are some things they teach you? Please share in the comments!
And for more minimalist living insights, you know what to do.
Dogs are the best and they teach us to love life, no matter what.
Lady looks so sweet and my doggies always loved a good sniff (for five minutes in the same place ofc). It's a huge relief to hear the words "no big health issues" at the vet as they get older. I'm so happy that Lady is doing well and living her best life.