Life Lessons Learned From My Dog

I began this writing in 2022, about life lessons I learned from my dog. It’s time I finished it… for Jack.

On March 25, 2022, we had to say good-bye to our beloved dog, Jack. It was also my dad’s birthday. Dad passed away in 2017. It wasn’t a banner day, and it was exactly a week ago as I write this. The pain is not as intense now. But we all miss Jack so much. How could it be any other way when someone has been a part of your daily life for nearly fifteen years?

Our children grew up with Jack. He was my constant friend and support through some difficult times. His presence is still felt in our home, and by my side, as I take my walks without him now.

I still carry his collar in my coat pocket as I walk the trails and the neighborhood. My hand holds onto it, and I know he’s by my side.

I worked from home Jack’s entire life. So, we spent a lot of time together. Now that he’s not physically by my side, I’ve had just a few moments to reflect on all the life lessons he taught me during our time together.

Life Lessons From Jack

Life Lesson 1: Work hard and rest well.

Jack was an expert at both. He took his job as Director of Security at the Smith household very seriously. He’d sit upright on the couch, or at the top of the stairs, just watching the street and keeping a sharp eye out for intruders. He faithfully let us know when one approached as well. Still, he made time to nap frequently. Yet, he’d wake up on a dime if he heard any kind of noise. He helped us feel safe.

Life Lesson 2: Stop and smell the roses.

Early on, during my walks with Jack, I often tried to hurry him along. But as he got on in years, he slowed down and was rather insistent. We stopped frequently for him to sniff and rest. It was just what I needed, though I didn’t yet realize it. During a very difficult season, Jack taught me to slow down and be present to the moment; to God, and the nature around me. This practice has been a significant part of my healing journey.

Life Lesson 3: Take time to just be.

Similar to the previous lesson, Jack made time to enjoy what was right in front of him. Really enjoy it. He would sit under a tree or in the sunshine, just basking in nature. He’d savor a good bone like it was a delicacy. There was always time for a nice long stretch or to flop on his back on the couch. Most importantly, Jack loved to just be with his people. No expectations. Just savor the moment.

Life Lesson 4: Look out for your neighbors.

Each time we’d let Jack outside, he’d bark and run to the back corner of the yard to greet the neighbor dog, Dakota. He was always so excited to see him! On our walks, Jack was equally happy to see and meet new people too. But when strangers walked by our yard, Jack alerted everyone. He wanted to secure our home and our street. Jack was a protector, and a friendly, familiar presence throughout the neighborhood. I want my friends and neighbors to know I’ve got their backs and I’m happy to see them!

Life Lesson 5: Greet your family enthusiastically.

If everyone came home and greeted their family members as enthusiastically and with such unconditional love as Jack did each one of us, what difference would that make in our relationships? Be happy to see one another. Stop what you’re doing and give your undivided love and attention. Your family members will love coming home.

Life Lesson 6: Just be present for someone who’s having tough emotions.

Jack was the master of this. It wouldn’t matter what I was doing or where he was in the house; he knew when I was struggling. He’d run to me, snuggle up close and lick my face. He’d stay by my side. Sometimes, we humans try too hard to “fix” things. Often times, staying close; witnessing someone’s emotion or pain; and just being there is all that’s needed.

Life Lesson 7: Play like a pup sometimes, even when you’re not.

Jack lived to just short of his 15th birthday. You’d never know he was an old dog. He didn’t look much like it. Didn’t act much like it. Even on his last day with us, and in spite of his pain, he had a few playful moments. It’s like he knew that sometimes a lighthearted moment was worth its weight in gold.

Eat your veggies and walk every day, even in the rain or snow.

We called Jack our Veggie Dog. He ate most every fruit or vegetable safe for dogs to eat. Even Brussels Sprouts! We didn’t give him those often, though, because the results of all that cruciferous fiber could clear a room! However, I’m convinced that his healthy diet and our daily, long walks (rain, snow, or shine) helped him live to the ripe old age he did.

Life Lesson 8: The grass is green enough in my own backyard.

When Jack was a young dog, he’d take any chance he saw to escape the house or the yard. Then he’d run like the wind! Once he got a little older, he stopped running. We could leave the gate wide open, and he wouldn’t budge from the backyard. It’s like he knew there was nothing out there, in the world, that would be better than what he had and what he’d come to love right here. You were right, Jack. I try to remember that now, and not get lost in comparison.

Life Lesson 9: Find love and joy even when times are hard.

Jack was a happy dog. He loved us with abandon. He loved life. It wasn’t because he had the best of everything a dog could ever hope for. He only had a few toys. He didn’t go to the doggie spa. His bed came from Sam’s Club. We couldn’t take him to lots of places because I’m sure he wouldn’t have passed the Canine Good Citizen test. And later he developed chronic pain in his joints and eventually couldn’t walk or eliminate well.

Still, Jack loved us. He loved his home. He performed his doggie job, in our family, with passion. Together, with Jack, I learned to find gratitude and joy in the everyday and the ordinary, the hilltop moments, and the dark valley moments. He left a canine legacy that we will never forget.

Eighteen Months Later

Today is September 28, 2023. It’s been 18 months since we said “run on ahead” to our Jack. It’s time that I finish this writing. We waited just over a month before we started our search for a new family dog. Jack loved us all so well, that even though we missed him (and still do) we were eager to give and share love with another canine friend.

Along came Daisy. She’s a rescue dog like Jack. (Funny how sometimes they actually rescue us.) Daisy is a true Heinz 57 variety. She has her own unique personality, very distinct from Jack’s. She was a cuddler from day one. Now, we can’t imagine life without Daisy! We think Jack would like her too. I can just picture them chasing each other in the backyard.

As I pulled out this unfinished writing, from a year ago, those life lessons Jack taught me are still fresh. They’re still impactful. I wanted to share them with you just in case Jack’s wisdom might help you too.

Learn it. Apply it.

• Which of Jack’s lessons resonate with you in your life?
• What’s significant about that particular one?
• How might you apply it to your daily walk?
• What’s one step you’ll take?