What have your pets taught you?

[shoiji]

I enjoy reading the pet threads. I am always amazed at how much my pets have taught me. 1. to be patient 2. to be more mindful of how I speak to them. This really went on to how I speak to people. I realized I could be to sarcastic at times. Not good if it is someone who doesn't know you. 3. how to relax. 4. always be greatful to see someone. It always amazes me how they show affection. No hesitation.

So these are a few things they have taught me. What have your pets taught you?

[wanderinggrandma]

My dogs have taught me unconditional love and loyalty. They also were uncanny and dead on accurate judges of character. My last GSD was my walking partner and protected me in a couple of scary situations I literally walked into.

I sure hope my new pup has just some of these qualities when he grows up.

[wulong32]

Definitely to have more patience. Im also more aware of my tone of voice when I speak.

[Darlene]

That a little rubbing and a little relaxing is good for everyone. Oh and finding a nice sunny spot is a very good thing.

[FrugalWitch]

My pets taught me
1. Naps are good
2. Napping whilst cuddled among 6 cats is even better
3. The more love you give, the more love you have

[frugalwanttobe]

My dog has taught me to watch my tone of voice because she gets scared and thinks she is in trouble if I raise my voice. I feel awful after but most likely it was not directed at her but her human siblings...aka my kids.

[KJayEsq]

My dog has certainly taught me patience and has taught me to watch the way I speak. It has also taught me to look at myself...is there anything I'm not communicating correctly if he isn't responding?

More than anything I have learned what loyalty and devotion are. He shows it to me everyday and over the years, especially in emergency situations, I have been able to save him too.

There are probably hundreds of other things too.

[perSue]

that the more subtle things in life are worth paying attention to.

animals pick up on our facial and body expressions as much as we try to pick up on theirs... so just saying flatly "potty" to the dog, sure he knows the word, but if it's not said "right" to him, he'll just stare at me like i'm a freak!
it's those "microgestures" that we don't think about that we use, even in convos w/our fellow humans.

but most importantly, to stop along the way in life and to literally & metaphorically "smell the flowers."

and relaxing.... oh how I love to watch the absolute comfort and safety of a happy animal, laying on his back, belly exposed, sound asleep, "running" in his dreams.

comfort!

[YankeeMom]

My cats have taught me to keep my bed covered in plastic

Sorry, they are on my sh!t list this week.

[FrugalMomof3]

I would have to say patience as well and also be on a schedule, lol but I love my dogs unconditionally, they are my companions and they know when I am said and they comfort me.

[mom2matty]

I have to agree with unconditional love and loyalty. Our Toby is such a lover and he reminds us that being together is important. He loves to just be with us......he would follow anyone of us forever!!

[alliwantisjb]

most of all my pet has taught me that unless i want him to get into something, keep it out of his reach... the statement i always used to my sister when she got frustrated with one of her children stands for my pup as well" he's just a baby!!"

[Neeley]

My mom just sent me an e-mail on this subject. Here are a few things I have learned from my dogs, cats and rabbit....

~Never pass up the opportunity to take a joy ride
~Allow the experience of fresh air and wind in your face to be pure ecstasy
~When loved ones come home, run to greet them
~Allows inform someone when they have invaded your territory
~When it is in your best interest, practice obedience
~Take naps
~Stretch before rising
~Run, romp and play daily
~Avoid biting when a simple growl will do
~When someone is having a bad day, be quiet, sit close and nuzzle them gently
~Be loyal, neve pretend to be something you are not
~Eat with gusto and enthusiasm, but stop when you have hd enough
~Delight in the simple joy of a long walk
~On hot days drink lots of water and lie under a shade tree

[kaykwilts]

Unconditional love and loyalty

[Lora88]

that dogs are way better friends than most of the people i know