Lessons from animals

Anne-Marie O’Neill suggested “5 things you can learn from your pet” in the January 2011 issue of Real Simple Magazine.
As you already know, I used animals (dogs and cats) to teach children 15 character traits in my 2010 book, “Building Character with Sam, Izzy, and Many Other Dogs.” I think the concept that animals can teach people is wonderful.
In a nutshell, ONeill recommends:

1. Celebrate everything. You know how a dog gets really happy for anything. Example: someone walks in the door. Celebrate. Going to the shop or office? Celebrate! Sounds good to me.
2. Be there. This doesn’t require talking. It is just being present. Feeling down? It’s amazing how some pets seem to be empathetic. They have a certain ability to know how their owner is feeling. (at least some pets.) My parent’s cat is oblivious to others.
3. You don’t have to be super smart. Some animals aren’t the brightest.
4. Be yourself. This one is about doing your own thing without trying to impress others. Think for yourself. Make decisions on your own. Be independent like a cat.
5. If a dog can get along with anybody – a person could too. Dale Carnegie said that the easiest way to get along with others is to behave like a dog.
O’Neill suggests 5 interest tips that I like.

If you’d like to know 15 tips that animals can teach children then check out my book here. It includes 15 tips that help children build character (with the help from animals). The story about a dog who listens shows a picture with a dog with an ear raised up. The story of acceptance shows two very different dogs (bulldog and Chihuahua) who accept each other despite their differences. The story on forgiving shows a picture of a dog chewing shoes.