August 2023
All Dogs Are Therapists
August 3, 2023
Dogs have always been there. They calm us when we get angry, energize us when we are tired, make us laugh when we are sad, and love us when we feel lost. They keep company. They listen. They are the ultimate therapists.
One thing I’ve learned in the last 20 years: they always have something new to teach. Out-of-control dogs teach patience. Sluggish, overweight dogs get us moving. Aggressive dogs teach us to be strong and dominant, yet calm — to meet confrontation with courage and patience.
They teach confidence. That confidence spills into the rest of a life. When we feel loved, there is no limit. No matter the behavior problem, we grow. When we learn the lesson faster, we do not have to repeat it as often. Often that is when the dog’s behavior changes too — as if they know the lesson landed.
They are children who do not speak our languages and still seem to understand every word. They do not condemn, interrupt, or advise. They lay with us. As long as we have dogs, we will always be loved by somebody.