Funny that when I got my dog, I didn’t want him. I was always a cat person, but my spouse at the time insisted on a dog…specifically a German Shepherd Dog. Since then, Ekko has always been my dog and I can’t begin to explain what a blessing he has been for me. He’s taught me so much about life! Here’s just a few of the things my German Shepherd has taught me about life:

• If you hurt someone, stay and lick their wounds.
• Even if you didn’t hurt someone, stay and lick their wounds.
• If you disagree with something, speak up and argue your point. When it’s over, forget about it and move on.
• Intimidate your enemies with fierceness, a loud voice, superior intelligence and brute strength. Bite only as a last resort.
• If you want a belly rub, lay next to your best friend and ask for one.
• The first snowfall of the season is a gift from God.
• The last snowfall of the season is icing on the cake.
• If you screw up, bow your head and apologize.
• PLAY BALL!
• If you fall and hurt yourself: get up, shake it off and keep going.
• When in doubt, sniff and lick.
• When you walk up to a group of friends, be sure to greet all of them properly.
• Protect your loved ones. ALWAYS.
• Before you get out of bed in the morning, stretch every muscle in your body.
• Nap time is the Shiznit!
• If someone’s not giving you the attention you deserve, flick their arm in the air with your head.
• If they still won’t give you attention, sit in front of them and stare until they do.
• Sad eyes can get you anything you want in life.
• You can never be too loyal or too faithful.
• Not everyone will understand you or take the time to understand you. Screw ‘em. You’ve got better things to do.
• Know your surroundings and patrol your perimeter.
• Enjoy a cool light rain on a hot day.
• Catch snowflakes with your tongue.
• Prance like a deer when you’re happy.
• If you have left over energy to burn, zoom around the yard like you’ve gone mad. Who cares what the neighbors think.
• If you’re angry, just shred something to pieces. You’ll feel so much better.
• Love unconditionally. Nobody is perfect. We all have faults.
• Know where your bread is buttered.
• Hugs and kisses can mend a broken heart.

Did I miss anything? I’ll add more if I think of more. In the meantime, what has your dog taught you about life? Please share your stories in the comments below!

Blessings,
Tula Rainwater

P.S. Just for good measure, here’s a little video of my faithful, loving, loyal beast.