I LEARNED MOST OF WHAT I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FRIENDSHIP FROM MY DOG

Attending to the needs of a dog is challenging.  Why are they considered man’s best friend when it means cleaning up messes, guarding against parasites, feedings, picking up unsightly fur balls, and forced marches in bad weather?  Let’s take a look at what a dog/person relationship can teach us about friendship in general.

by LSI managing partner Art McNeil

Dogs and friends…

• Inject productive ritual into our lives:  The caring routine keeps us “out there”, safely experiencing life.  Being there for or with a friend, opens the door to serendipity (what happens while we are busy doing something else).  For example, if you weren’t out walking the dog, you may not have noticed a beautiful sunset or met the new neighbor.
• Offer unconditional affection and support:  Standing alone reduces  survival chances.  Animals in their natural habitat, band together in practical arrangements influenced by instinct that closely resembles a human feeling called affection.  Affection is the life blood of friendship.
• Remind us to care for self and others:  Pets stimulate reflection and meditation.  Spiritual presence makes people more responsive to the needs of others.  We will not recognize our own needs until we view ourselves in relation to others.
• Keep us open and available for others:  People must be open in general before they can make friends.  Medical research has proven that petting an animal opens the cardiovascular system to the extent that it reduces blood pressure.  Dog people are typically open to the acceptance and giving of affection.  Pit bull owners may be an exception.
• Challenge us when we fail to act:  A dog and good friends will not sit passively when you forget to attend to their or your own needs.  Both will uninhibitedly confront when the situation demands it.

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