Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from My Dogs.

Life lessons from my dogs.

If you’ve ever met our two Bernedoodles, Becky and Roxie, you’d know why I’m writing this. They’re a constant, unfiltered reminder of what life is supposed to be about. These two floofballs live with a sense of pure joy, perseverance and purpose that most of us spend years trying to figure out. And the best part? They don’t even know they’re doing it.

Dogs have this uncanny ability to teach us how to live better, love deeper, and find joy in the everyday—all without saying a word. So today, I want to share the biggest lessons my dogs have taught me about being human.

1. Wag More, Worry Less

They don't worry about tomorrow. They don't agonize over what someone thought about their bark at the neighbor’s dog. Dogs wake up every morning with one goal: find joy. Whether it’s the anticipation of breakfast, bug stretch on the couch, or a walk to sniff every tree on the block, they savor it all.

Imagine what life would be like if we approached every day the same way. I’ve wasted too much time worrying about things that don’t even matter in the long run. But when I see Becky and Roxie wagging their tails just because it’s a Tuesday, I remember: joy doesn’t have to be big. Sometimes it’s a good cup of coffee or the way your favorite song sounds when it randomly plays on shuffle.

Life lesson: Stop waiting for “someday” to be happy. Wag your tail at the little things.

2. Forgive and Fetch

Step on Becky’s paw? She forgives me in two seconds. Forget to bring Roxie’s favorite toy? No grudge. Dogs don’t hold onto the past the way we do. They let it go because it doesn’t serve them.

Think about the last time someone hurt you or you made a mistake. Did you stew over it for days? Weeks? Maybe even years? I’ve been there too. But Becky and Roxie remind me that forgiveness is a gift you give yourself.

Life is too short to carry around resentment. Toss those negative feelings away like an old tennis ball and focus on what really matters.

Life lesson: Let go. Forgive quickly and often—especially yourself.

3. Love Unconditionally

Becky and Roxie love me like I am the best human in the world. They don’t care if I’m in yoga pants and haven’t brushed my hair, or my teeth. Their love is simple, constant, and pure.

That’s how we should love the people in our lives. Not conditionally or when it’s convenient, but all the time. When was the last time you told someone you love them without expecting anything in return?

I’ve learned that showing up for people—truly showing up—means loving them for who they are, not for who we want them to be.

Life lesson: Love with no strings attached. Just be there.

4. Sniff Out New Adventures

Becky and Roxie are professional sniffers. They approach every walk like they’re on a mission to uncover the secrets of the universe. Every new scent is a discovery, every trail an adventure.

When was the last time you tried something new just because? Life is full of opportunities to explore, but too often we stick to our routines. Watching my dogs reminds me to say “yes” more often—to new experiences, new people, and even the unknown.

Life lesson: Be curious. There’s magic in stepping outside your comfort zone. So take a new path and see where it takes you.

5. Always Greet with a Tail Wag

No matter how long I’ve been gone—five minutes or five hours—Becky and Roxie greet me like I’m the greatest thing to ever walk through the door. Their excitement is genuine, infectious, and oh-so-heartwarming. Not to mention guests coming to the house. The joy is uncanny.

Imagine if we treated the people in our lives with that same enthusiasm. A simple smile or a warm hello can make someone feel seen and appreciated.

Life lesson: Show up with kindness and excitement. It changes everything.

6. The Power of Naps and Belly Rubs

My dogs are masters of self-care. They nap unapologetically, demand belly rubs, and never overextend themselves.

How often do we run ourselves ragged, ignoring our own needs? Dogs remind us that rest isn’t lazy—it’s essential. Taking a break, whether it’s a nap or a walk outside, can recharge your soul.

Life lesson: Listen to your body. Rest when you need it. Demand belly rubs.

7. Loyalty Like No Other

Dogs are loyal in a way that’s rare and beautiful. They stick by your side no matter what.

Loyalty doesn’t mean agreeing with someone all the time. It means showing up, being honest, and having their back. It’s about building trust and being a safe place for the people you love.

Life lesson: Be the kind of person others can count on.

8. Accepting You, Flaws and All

Becky and Roxie don’t care about my bad hair days or if I spill coffee on my shirt. They love me exactly as I am. Why is it so hard for us to do the same for ourselves? We’re so quick to pick apart our flaws instead of celebrating what makes us unique.

Life lesson: Embrace yourself—quirks, imperfections, and all.

9. No Grudges, Just Love

Dogs have no time for grudges. They focus on love and joy, and that’s it.

When I catch myself replaying old hurts or holding onto bitterness, I think of Becky and Roxie. Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting—it means choosing peace over pain.

Life lesson: Release what weighs you down.

10. Excitement for the New

Every new walk is Becky and Roxie’s favorite walk. Every treat is the best treat they’ve ever had. Their excitement for life is contagious.

What if we approached our own lives with that same enthusiasm? Even the mundane can feel magical when you shift your perspective.

Life lesson: Look for the extraordinary in the ordinary.

11. Zero Judgment, All Love

Dogs don’t judge. They don’t care if you sing off-key or eat ice cream for dinner. They love you exactly as you are.

Imagine how freeing life would be if we stopped judging ourselves and others so harshly.

Life lesson: Practice compassion. It’s the most powerful form of love.

12. No Need to Change You

Becky and Roxie don’t want me to be anyone but me. That’s what makes their love so special—it’s unconditional. We don’t have to “fix” people to love them. Just let them be who they are.

Life lesson: Love people for who they are, not who you want them to be.

13. Always There for You

No matter what kind of day I’ve had, Becky and Roxie are there, ready to love me through it.

Being present is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other.

Life lesson: Show up. Your presence matters more than you know.

I may be the one feeding our pups, but they’re the ones feeding my soul. Their lessons are simple, but they’ve changed my life. And if you’re lucky enough to have a dog—or just love dogs—you know exactly what I mean.

Let’s take a page out of their playbook and live with more joy, curiosity, and love. After all, life is better when you wag more and worry less.

Do you have any great lessons to share? Please leave them in the comments.