Long before we bought a dog, we knew what we'd name it. Cheesy, I know, but for good reason. One day over a year ago, I was at a book store and I came across the book The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. It had great reviews and involved two things that Evan loves - cars and dogs. So, I bought it for him. The story is told from the perspective of a very wise dog, Enzo. His owner, a race car driver, named him this because Enzo Anselmo Ferrari was an Italian car driver and entrepreneur, the founder of the Scuderia Ferrari Grand Prix motor racing team, and subsequently of the Ferrari car manufacturer. So we decided we would name our dog Enzo.
Throughout the book, you see that Enzo just "gets it." He does not discriminate due to age, race, or social class. He forgives and loves. I found online the things we can learn from dogs, and I've included it below. As I stare at my Enzo peacefully napping at the foot of the stairs awaiting Evan's return home from work, I contemplate how I can learn a thing or two from him.
Unlike humans, dogs do everything from the bottom of their heart, whether they wag the tail or bark. Have you ever seen a dog that suffers from the inferiority complex? Have you ever seen a dog that pretends to be someone he is not? I haven't. Actually, there is a lot of natural life wisdom that we could learn from dogs. So, what is the simple dog wisdom? What your dog can teach you? Here is a brief summary of dog life lessons, and feel free to add more if you have thoughts about it!
- Give and accept affection, freely and often;
- When someone kindly prepares food for you, devour it smiling like it's the best meal you've ever eaten;
- Always be curious about the world around you, especially when new people come into it;
- Take naps;
- Forgive friends who don't have time to play;
- Go out of your way if they do;
- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy-ride;
- Get the most out of the experience of fresh air and wind in your face;
- When someone kindly prepares food for you, devour it smiling like it's the best meal you've ever eaten;
- Always be curious about the world around you, especially when new people come into it;
- Take naps;
- Forgive friends who don't have time to play;
- Go out of your way if they do;
- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy-ride;
- Get the most out of the experience of fresh air and wind in your face;
- When family members come home, always run to greet them;
- Protect your territory;
- Run, romp, and play daily;
- Be loyal;
- Never pretend to be something you're not;
- If you want what is buried, dig until you find it;
- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close and nuzzle them gently;
- Don't bite when a simple growl will do;
- On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree;
- When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body;
- No matter how often you're scolded, don't feel guilty and pout. Run right back and make friends;
- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
- Run, romp, and play daily;
- Be loyal;
- Never pretend to be something you're not;
- If you want what is buried, dig until you find it;
- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close and nuzzle them gently;
- Don't bite when a simple growl will do;
- On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree;
- When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body;
- No matter how often you're scolded, don't feel guilty and pout. Run right back and make friends;
- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
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