You do not have to own a cat or a dog to learn from them about life’s “survival” lessons. However, you have to be willing to be an observer of their behavior. It is sort of like being a “people watcher,” which we all do to some extent. They probably are more honest than many humans in their outward conduct and not as refined in their behavior. They have a wealth of patience, wisdom, and defined social boundaries within their family unit. Pets value the success of the whole social family unit over temporary individual desires. Unless a perceived threat is presented to an animal, they tend to follow the “golden rule” in their relationships with humans and other animals that are not their natural enemies. Pets exhibit restraint, perseverance and independence.
Pets always get what they want, even if they have to get it themselves and not rely on another to obtain their goal. Likewise, they also know how to “suck-up” if they really want something. But they know the limits of what they will do to get what they want or need. All those who have had a boss at one time know this technique and no doubt enlisted this maneuver. You just must determine your level of “suck-up,” like complimenting someone but not crossing the line of totally humiliating yourself or being so obviously insincere.
Another good survival trait is listening to your inner instincts. As humans we sometimes over-analyze things and make ourselves a bit nuts. Animals listen and go cautiously when they get some kind of internal warning signal when approaching a person or situation that may prove harmful to them. The only exception possibly is when they repeatedly trust a human who has done them harm, but they keep hoping that this trusted person will not repeat this hurtful action. Animals, like humans in this case, sometimes stay in abusive relationships, until they realize they need to get out of it for their own good health of mind and body.
Cats and dogs take life a moment at a time, relishing the sheer joy of that moment. There is no brooding or holding a grudge about perceived infringements or insults that they feel were sent in their direction – like failing to send a birthday card, feeling unappreciated for all that they have done for another person. You probably have noticed that some cats\dogs indicate they do not like a particular person. They do not fret or agonize about their feelings. They just feel that way. Humans could learn this behavior. You can “not-like” an individual as long as no harm is done to that person.
Cats and dogs also know the value of taking a nap. They know how to relax with no worries about anything. This is a lesson that everyone would benefit from learning.
Cats and dogs can teach us about caring and empathy. I am sure we have all seen those “cute” stories where a dog has become a surrogate mother to a baby pig and a tiger to a baby fawn. Although as adults they might not have been the best of friends, they recognize a thing is in need and put those other feelings aside and offer and provide loving care and attention in time of need.
Life is a wonderful thing. It comes with feelings of taking great pleasure in play time, being a bit child-like, having joy in your heart and your life, and hopefully not viewing these emotions in the rear-view mirror of one’s life. And the last and probably the foremost lesson is that each of us, at least once a day, need a hug and an Attaboy!
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