Their Passion for Life

Neil deGrasse Tyson shared an insightful perspective on Steven Bartlett’s podcast, The Diary of a CEO, regarding the fleeting nature of a dog’s life. He remarked, “For every day that a dog lives, we experience an entire week of our own lives. Perhaps dogs are aware of their limited lifespan and strive to make every moment count.”

Watching my dog roll happily in the grass—regardless of the occasional mess—reminds me of his zest for life. He revels in the simple pleasures, and it makes me ponder whether I truly embrace life with the same enthusiasm. While I may not reach his level of joy, striving for greater appreciation of each moment is certainly attainable.

Dogs teach us to cherish the present and appreciate our existence. Life may seem lengthy when we are young, but in reality, it’s quite brief. So, the next time you find life feeling dull, just recall how joyful your dog is during their playful antics.

The Value of Simplicity

“A dog has no need for luxury vehicles, grand houses, or high-end fashion. A soggy stick is more than sufficient.” — John Grogan, Marley & Me

We often become ensnared in the desire for possessions—especially the most luxurious ones. When friends acquire new items, it can ignite a desire to obtain something even better. There’s always a newer, more expensive item to chase after, leading us to believe this is the path to happiness.

Do dogs care about the price of their toys? Absolutely not. A simple stick can bring them immense joy. Despite the plethora of toys we provide, my dog finds the most satisfaction in demolishing a cardboard box.

Dogs gauge value based on joy rather than cost, and we should adopt the same mindset. Why should it matter how much effort or money we invested in something? If our old car brings us happiness, there’s no need to upgrade to a luxury model.

Pursuing Happiness Relentlessly

My childhood dog, Monty, is now aging, his joints weary, and he can no longer chase birds with the same vigor. Yet, Monty persists in seeking happiness, pushing through his discomfort.

Despite numerous tumbles, he continues to run with all his might. His unsuccessful attempts to jump onto the couch don’t deter him; age does not obstruct his pursuit of joy, even when his body begs for rest.

Witnessing my once agile dog struggle is heart-wrenching, yet his determination is inspiring. I often find myself making excuses for not pursuing my goals, letting small hurdles become insurmountable barriers. If only our dogs could speak, they would encourage us to keep pushing through adversity.

If our dogs could communicate, they would indeed be right. While we may not be able to act like them in every regard, there are countless lessons we can learn from their unwavering spirit. They exemplify how to fully embrace life, and it’s high time we start heeding their wisdom.

We could all benefit from embodying a little more of that canine spirit.