If Lana could write her own daily planner, I have a feeling it would look something like this:
And honestly? She'd probably consider that a very productive day.
Dogs have mastered the art of enjoying the moment
Dogs have a wonderful way of reminding us that life doesn't always need to be rushed. While we're busy checking emails, running errands and working through endless to-do lists, our dogs seem to have mastered the art of slowing down and enjoying the moment.
For Lana, every day is filled with simple pleasures. A morning stretch. A morning walk with mom. A toy carried proudly around the house. A sunny spot on the couch or cuddling close to Marshie, her bunny bestie. A quick check to make sure nobody has left without her. And, of course, several very important naps and snacks.
Did I ever mention how Lana loves to steal sugar snaps from Marshie? She simply can't resist them.
So whenever I give sugar snaps to Marshie, I have to stay put to make sure Lana doesn't snatch them. Every. Single. Time.
They don't replay yesterday's mistakes or stress about next week's plans. Dogs simply enjoy the moment and what's happening right now.
It's one of the many reasons dogs bring so much peace into our lives.
From Lana's humanThe way she stretches out completely in her sunny spot, not a care in the world, it's impossible not to smile every single time.
What actually makes dogs happy
When we think about what makes dogs happy, the answer is usually surprisingly simple. They don't need complicated routines or expensive things to feel content. Most dogs are happiest when they're included in everyday life with the people they love.
- Time with their people
- A comfortable place to rest
- A little exercise
- Good food
- A favourite toy
- Plenty of love
Rest isn't laziness
Living with Lana has taught me that rest isn't laziness. It's okay to slow down. It's okay to enjoy quiet moments. It's okay to spend time doing things that simply make you happy.
Dogs measure life in walks, cuddles, snacks, adventures and the people they love most.
Maybe that's why they seem happier than the rest of us sometimes. They've long figured out what truly matters, and it was never a to-do list.
From Lana's humanLana taught me that we need to make time in our busy to-do list for ourselves. Easier said than done. I'm still working on that one.
