It’s a dog’s life at The Toast
My cocker spaniel fur kid Simba, almost never leaves my side when I’m at home. He is my shadow companion and lights up my day with his always-on zest for adventure, not to mention his larger than life personality! Simba’s smile is contagious when I walk in the door and there are few things better than knowing he’s always keen to embrace doing whatever I’m busy with, alongside me (unless it involves his bath time…).
Our communal love of our dogs is something all of us share at Twisted Toast. Our canine best friends often make an appearance in Zoom calls and we regularly share the latest news and pics of our furry pets on our company WhatsApp group.
“Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong,” – WR Purche
I’m constantly inspired by Simba’s good natured attitude towards his human family. In my opinion we can learn a lot from dogs’ natural sense of belonging and ability to make us smile. It’s the simple things that really count, after all.
So, even though National Dog Day is only on Saturday, 26 August, in the spirit of loving our dogs every day, here are five life lessons we can learn from our canine companions.
1. Live in the moment
Dogs are experts at living in the present, fully enjoying whatever activity they’re engaged in. We can learn from their ability to focus on the here and now and not dwell on past regrets or future worries. Embracing the present moment can lead to a more fulfilling and less stressful life.
2. Practice unconditional love and loyalty
One of the most endearing qualities of dogs is their unwavering loyalty and love. They don’t hold grudges or judge us based on our flaws. We can take a page from their book by practicing forgiveness, showing kindness and offering unconditional love to the people in our lives, even when they make mistakes.
3. Embrace a healthy routine
Dogs thrive on routine, whether it’s daily walks, regular meal times, or play sessions. A consistent schedule helps them feel secure and balanced. We can learn from this by establishing our own healthy routines, such as getting regular exercise, eating well and setting aside time for self-care and relaxation.
4. Communicate effectively
While dogs don’t use words to communicate, they’re experts at using body language and vocalisations to express their needs and emotions. We can learn from their non-verbal cues to become better listeners and communicators, paying closer attention to the body language and tone of voice of those around us. This can help us build stronger relationships and avoid misunderstandings.
5. Find joy in the simple things
Dogs find happiness in the simplest of activities, whether it’s playing with a stick, chasing their tail, or just snuggling with their owner. They teach us to appreciate the small things in life and to find joy in everyday moments. By focusing on the simple pleasures, we can cultivate a more positive outlook and increase our overall happiness.
In conclusion, our furry friends have much to teach us about living a fulfilling, happy and balanced life. By observing their behaviour and taking a few lessons from them, we can not only become better humans but also improve the quality of our relationships with both people and animals. So next time your canine companion makes you smile, remember there’s wisdom to be found in their wagging tail and infectious enthusiasm.
