Hacks From Man's Best Friend

Dogs, and what we can learn from them!

- Elena Fernandes

“Are you a dog person or a cat person?”—it is one of the most common questions that I am often asked. Well, I have both! Now, if you must know, I live with five cats and one dog (her name is Princess), and I love my babies. But, I feel my cats tolerate me and my dog dotes on me. And dogs, right from when they’re nutty puppies to when they’re in their elderly phase, are man’s greatest friend!

I’ve always been an ardent animal lover and I feel my passion for animal welfare stems from my mother and grandfather. My grandfather would rescue injured pigeons. I remember him making splints for their wings from lollipop sticks. So, I guess saving animals and loving them has always been in my blood. My father has always secretly had a passion for dogs, despite his assertions of being allergic to cats and dogs. Yet, even with this ‘allergy’ there was the arrival of our golden Labrador, Oscar—the family dog, a rescue that was the runt of his litter. When no one was looking, you could always catch my father massaging Oscar and showering him with kisses. And Oscar was a typical Lab, absolutely harmless and a big softie.

Having a pet is fun but one thing that should never be taken lightly is the responsibility that comes with it—and it is a life-long commitment. They make a mess, so you need to have patience to train a dog. You can’t abandon your pet because she or he is too naughty as a puppy or too much of a burden as a senior. Dogs are a part of your family; they are your therapist, your best friend and so much more.

There’s so much that we can learn from dogs and inculcate in our own daily lives. Not only will we be a lot happier like our furry friends, we’ll grow as people.

FIND YOUR STRENGTH