Things I have learnt from my dog

I have a dog. 4 years old (that's 28 in human years!). I think he was a philosopher in this past life. Actually, I KNOW he was a philosopher in his past life. He is a mutt, but officially a docker. Google the breed. Its legit!

Anyway, having had the absolute pleasure of knowing him and having seen him grow from a minuscule little nothing to this (still small) protector and saviour of the people who feed him, it has taught me how to inculcate parts of his personality (yes, animals do have personalities, and traits, and habits. They are just like humans, except cuter and more civil!) into me.

• Love all. And don't be afraid to show it. Only someone with a dog would know the absolute pleasure of being welcomed into the home, after a long day at work, with a wagging tail and slobbery kisses! Its like every little (and big) problem in life, for that 5 minutes just disappear. Life becomes happy and simple again! That's the magic of a pet. 
• Patience.  When there is a rat at home, it becomes the sole motive of my dog (is it with all dogs?) to catch that rat. But, the trick is to let it come to you. So, there will be my dog, waiting, could be for a few hours, or for a few days, for the rat to come out of hiding. And when and if that rat dares to show its creepy face, there is a bark, a dash, and the rat is dead and forgotten. Off trots the warrior with a biscuit in his mouth and his nose in the air.
• Confidence. Now, my dog is like two feet nothing. He just about reaches my knees. That's how small he is. But does he feel that small? No baby. Nope. Nopety do. In his head, he is a rottweiler and a great dane all in one. He is ready to fight with any dog who so much as tries to growl at him. There he will be, 3/4th the size of most street dogs, barking his head off, showing his teeth, and ready to fight. And truth be told, he does put up an excellent fight! My hero!!!
• Know what you want, and don't be shy about telling people. Ok, so this is a VERY important lesson. Be it at the work place, or in relationships. Communication. Even the four legged love of life knows that no one cannot read his mind. If he wants to go for a walk, he'll tell you. If he is hungry, he ensures everyone knows. If he feels ignored, he tells you straight up. 
• Understanding. And tolerance. No one, and I mean NO ONE, will ever tolerate you like a person who truly loves you will. It comes along with understanding. If I am upset, he knows. If im frustrated, he knows. He'll let me shout at him and vent my frustration. He comes and sits next to me, not saying anything, just sitting, when im upset. He tolerates and he understands and he knows.