Photo by Kat Smith: https://www.pexels.com/photo/shallow-focus-photography-of-adult-black-and-white-border-collie-551628/
It’s said a dog is man’s best friend (that should be updated to include women). In today’s culture, the phrase ‘it’s a dog’s life’ takes on new meaning; some pets have it pretty cushy. Regardless of living standards, there are a few lessons we can learn from dogs.
Enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Have you seen the joy a dog gets from riding in a car, gazing or hanging out the window? The route can be the same, but a dog gets excited like it’s brand new. Give this a try: take a leisurely drive through town, pay attention to details, appreciate your surroundings and smile – keep your head inside!
Greet people with affection. Life can be brutal. Business problems, unfairness, complaints, traffic and people in general can leave anyone feeling frazzled. If we know someone needs a boost, we should give it. Now, if you don’t know how to lift someone’s spirit, watch how your dog greets you. It’s like a superstar came through the door; seeing you makes its day. You can do the same for others – without jumping and licking!
Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. You don’t see dogs pretend to be human, but you may see humans act like dogs. You don’t see hypocritical dogs, but you do see hypocritical humans. A dog can obey, do tricks, defend, but it doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. This doesn’t mean humans don’t strive to improve, advance or achieve; God made us to keep reaching. It does mean that wherever we find ourselves, we should do our best there. Aristotle said, “The one who cannot follow is not fit to lead.” I don’t want a nurse who pretends to be a doctor at my surgery. I want a nurse who strives to be the best as a nurse. We can do our best, be contented, and still chase our dreams – without chasing cars!
If your feelings get hurt, don’t pout. Dogs have an amazing ability to overlook unfairness, impatience, mistreatment and forgetfulness. You can scold them, neglect them, forget them, even hurt them and they won’t hold a grudge. Not so with humans, we fight over misunderstanding an innocent comment or a rumor or a wrong impression. How should we react? God has the answer: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” He puts emphasis on us, not the other person. If someone hurts our feelings, we should work to make peace – avoid slobbering and running in circles!
If it’s worthwhile, keep digging. Watch a dog search for a toy or a bone. It stays with the task until it gets it. The Bible tells of a man who didn’t give up on what he wanted. When Jacob saw Rachel, he told her father, “I’ll work for you 7 years if I can marry her.” At the end of 7 years, he was tricked and had to work another 7 years. That’s 14 years of not giving up, but she was worth it. If it’s worthwhile, stay with it – keep digging and don’t quit!
A dog’s life seems simple, yet it offers valuable lessons to our complex lives. And remember, you are greatly loved!
–Jackie Chesnutt, Chaplain and Emotional Support Coach for Myers-Davis (2/16/2026)
