5 Life Lessons I Learned From My Granddog

His name is Leonard.

He’s an adorable black Bernedoodle, half Bernese Mountain Dog, half Poodle, the latest addition to my daughter and son-in-law’s growing menagerie. At only four months old, Leonard is already thirty-five pounds, and he’s all puppy—nipping, playing, napping, and eating everything in sight. We love him.

While spending time with Leonard, I’ve noticed he embodies certain traits that I want more of in my own life:

1. Be curious

For Leonard, everything is new and fascinating. I’m trying to remember how the world looked when I was young and to see things through the eyes of my inner child (or in this case, my inner puppy). I’m working on rediscovering the wonder in the wonderfully ordinary. Exploring. Asking questions. Trying new things. It makes life, and me, more interesting.

2. Express affection

Leonard is not lacking in this department, sharing his snuggles and kisses generously. What does that look like for me? If I care about someone, I should show it. If I like them, I should let them know. I want to worry less about what people might think of me and more about making sure they know they’re special. Tail wagging is optional.

3. Take naps

Leonard is a champion napper. I’ve started trying it when I’m weary. My attitude and energy level are better for it. And the people around me benefit from me being less cranky and more fun. 

4. Be patient

Though he’s three times the size, Leonard never reacts to his big brother Otis’s snarls and snaps, while Otis adjusts to not getting all the attention. Without understanding what Otis is going through, I could make a wrong judgement about his temperament. People are the same. Most of them are facing battles I don’t know about. When they’re prickly, I try to be as patient with them as I’d want them to be with me when I’m not at my best.

5. Be yourself

Awkward. Shy. Playful. Silly. Leonard is all these things. He has no pretense and wears no masks, taking everyone at face value and assuming they’ll do the same with him. The lesson is clear—whoever I am, I should be that.

Which of these puppy traits do you already embody? Which could use some attention? Be curious. Express affection. Take naps. Be patient. Be yourself. If you do, you’ll live a deeper, more enjoyable life, and you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.