Dogs are often called “man’s best friend” for a reason. They offer us unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship. Having a dog can enrich our lives in many ways, and we can learn a lot from them about living a happy and fulfilling life.  I know this is common knowledge, but I had no idea how meaningful it would be until I owned a dog.

Here are just a few of the things we can learn from dogs:

• To be present in the moment. Dogs live in the moment. They are not worried about the past or the future. They are simply content to be in the here and now. We can learn from dogs to appreciate the present moment and to let go of our worries about the past and the future.  As part of this, dogs, amazingly, don’t harbor anger, frustration or anything of that nature which allows them to accept and move on unencumbered. 
• To be kind and compassionate. Dogs are naturally kind and compassionate creatures. They love unconditionally and are always there for us, no matter what. We can learn from dogs to be more kind and compassionate to ourselves and others.  Dogs don’t judge people.  You will note that dogs are just as happy living with a homeless person as they are living with a wealthy family in a mansion.  Dogs don’t have preconceived bias, notions or other prejudice… everyone is equal.
• To be joyful and playful. Dogs love to play and have fun. They teach us to appreciate the simple things in life and to enjoy ourselves. We can learn from dogs to be more joyful and playful in our own lives. 
• To be loyal and trustworthy. Dogs are fiercely loyal to their owners. They are always there for us, no matter what. We can learn from dogs to be more loyal and trustworthy in our own relationships.  It is so comforting to know that, no matter what, my dog will be by my side, regardless of other distractions.  
• To be grateful. Dogs appreciate the simple things in life, such as food, shelter, and love. They teach us to be more grateful for what we have.  Even a stick or tennis ball can keep a dog happy for hours. Simply running with another dog makes both dogs so blissful.  
• Sense of Kindness.  Dogs pick up the most subtle sense of kindness and loving energy.  They thrive on it and it, in turn, it engenders us to be that that way more of time. 

Having a dog can also teach us valuable life lessons about responsibility, commitment, and patience. Dogs require regular care and attention, and we need to be willing to put in the time and effort to give them the best possible life. This can teach us to be more responsible and committed to our own goals and aspirations.  NOTE:  if you are not in a position to properly care for a dog (a big responsibility), why not be an uncle or aunt to a friend’s dog?  That way, you share in the joy of a dog during times when you may not be capable of caring for a creature that is 100% reliant on you. 

If you are considering getting a dog, I encourage you to do so. Dogs make wonderful companions and can enrich our lives in so many ways. They can teach us to be better people and to live happier and more fulfilling lives.

Here are some additional thoughts on the value of having a dog:

• Dogs can help us to be more active and to get more exercise.
• Dogs can help us to meet new people and to build social connections.
• Dogs can help us to feel less lonely and more connected to the world around us.
• Dogs can help us to develop a sense of purpose and responsibility.
• Dogs can help us to learn more about ourselves and about the world around us.

Even though being away from the duties of a caring for a dog can be a relief from time to time, we miss our dog when we are traveling and cannot wait to return to see our dog.  If you are lucky enough to have a dog in your life, cherish them. They are truly special creatures that can make our lives better in so many ways.  

If you’re thinking about having a child, you may be wondering whether it’s better to be a young parent or an older parent. There are pros and cons to both, and ultimately the best decision for you will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences.

Benefits of being a young parent:

• More energy: Young parents often have more energy to keep up with young children. This can be helpful during the early years, when children are constantly on the go.
• More time to spend with your children: Younger parents may also have more time to spend with their children, as they may have fewer career commitments and responsibilities.
• More fertile: Young women are generally more fertile than older women, so they may have an easier time getting pregnant.

Benefits of being an older parent:

• More financially stable: Older parents are often more financially stable than younger parents. This can be helpful in providing for a child’s needs.
• More experienced: Older parents may have more experience in life and parenting, which can be helpful in raising a child.
• More established in their careers: Older parents may be more established in their careers, which can give them more flexibility and control over their work schedules. This can be helpful in balancing work and family life.

Things to consider:

• Health risks: There are some increased health risks for both young and older parents. For young mothers, there is a slightly increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight babies. For older mothers, there is a slightly increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects.
• Fertility: Fertility declines with age, so it may take longer for older couples to get pregnant.
• Energy levels: As people get older, their energy levels may decline. This can be challenging for parents, especially during the early years.
• Parenting style: Younger parents may be more likely to use a permissive parenting style, while older parents may be more likely to use an authoritative parenting style.
• Life goals: It is important to consider your life goals when deciding when to have children. If you have ambitious career goals, you may want to wait until you are more established in your career before having children.
• Consider if you’re ready to restrict your freedom and spontaneity (the photo above is from Italy. We will likely not be taking adult trips like this for a while!)

Ultimately, the best decision for you will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. There is no right or wrong answer, and both young and older parents can be great parents.

Here is some advice for both young and older parents:

• Young parents: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your support system. Your parents, other family members, and friends can be a valuable source of support and advice.
• Older parents: Be patient with yourself and your children. You may find that you don’t have as much energy as you used to, but you have the benefit of experience and wisdom.

Remember, the most important thing is to love and support your children.  My wife and I are planning to have a child very soon (hopefully) and I couldn’t be more excited.  We are ready to trade instant gratification for a family — better later than never!