Our mini goldendoodle, Sunnie, burst into our lives, bringing along a surprising number of life lessons and gentle truths. Here’s a sampling of Sunnie’s guide to living well.
Take time to stretch. Right after Sunnie gets out of her crate, she performs what I can only describe as puppy yoga. She lengthens her body, curls herself into a C, reverses it, and finally rolls onto her back, hoping for a belly rub. A good stretch and massage, she’s teaching me, can set the tone for the entire day.
Since getting Sunnie, I’m better at living in the moment. Social media, emails, and texts can’t compete with playing with her, breathing in that unmistakable puppy smell, and receiving her enthusiastic kisses. Taking her outside late at night and at sunrise has helped me rediscover the awe-inspiring stars and morning light. (If I’m honest, however, I’ll be perfectly happy when her bladder matures, and those middle-of-the-night sky views become optional.)
Sunnie will grow, and I know these puppy days are fleeting, just like the youth of our children and grandchildren. The zoomies that send her racing around the yard like a wind-up toy set on high speed will eventually slow. Like all sweet seasons of life, I hope to savor these months while they’re here.
When Sunnie is tired, she rests — another powerful life lesson. She doesn’t push herself or lie awake worrying about unfinished tasks or tomorrow’s to-do list. She simply curls herself into a fluffy ball and drifts off without apology. There is wisdom in recognizing when enough is enough.
When given the chance, Sunnie romps, plays, experiments, and explores. She approaches life with fearless curiosity, investigating mysterious noises, wondering if the neighbor dog might become her new best friend, and crunching into pinecones as if conducting serious scientific research. Sunnie is clearly committed to living life to the fullest.
Discipline has been necessary during her training, but she never holds it against me. I may scold her, and seconds later, she has forgotten the incident and is offering unconditional affection. Sunnie is a reminder that holding onto resentment wastes the very time we could be enjoying each other’s company.
I’ve also learned that it truly takes a village to raise a pup. I deeply appreciate the support from the puppy trainer, my family, and generous neighbors. Training a puppy is a big job to tackle alone, and community support is helping keep me mostly sane.
Rainy days will come, but Sunnie doesn’t complain. In fact, wet grass seems to smell even better, and puddles appear to exist solely for enthusiastic splashing. Watching her reminds me that sometimes the best response to life’s soggy moments is to shake things off and keep moving forward.
Simple pleasures are often the best ones. Sunnie can spend long, blissful minutes chewing on the perfect stick — the one that offers just the right amount of crunch. No expensive toys are required.
Life is better with buddies. Sunnie thrives on companionship. Whether she’s following me from room to room or curling up beside me, she makes it clear that connection brings comfort and happiness.
It’s wonderful to venture out on your own, but it’s equally comforting to return home and be tucked in at night. Sunnie ends each day with a contented sigh that suggests she considers it a day well lived.
Perhaps Sunnie’s greatest lesson is this: every day holds new mysteries, adventures, and possibilities. It’s up to us to notice them, chase them, and savor them while we can.