Through Hazel’s eyes

As someone who works from home, there is no one I spend more time with than my 11-month-old Maltese-Shih Tzu puppy, Hazel. Even my boyfriend comes second!

But being Hazel’s “mommy,” I’ve learned a few things. Life lessons, I’ll call ‘em. You might think I’m crazy now, but go with me. Sometimes, while stressing out about work, I will look over at my snoozing four-legged friend and think, “Man, that’s the life.” Anyone else had that moment?

Well, it got me thinking about the doggie perspective and I came up with a list of 10 things I’ve learned from my canine companion on life, love, even food:

Life
1. Make time for play
Granted, Hazel doesn’t have a job, other than eating, sleeping and being adorable, but imagine how boring her life would be if she didn’t play. It shouldn’t be all work and no fun. Find joy in the little things. Hazel gets a kick out of empty water bottles. So whatever that means for you, do it.

2. Naps aren’t just for kindergarteners
Who said you can’t take a nap after the age of 5? Being grown up is hard work and sometimes you need to recharge the batteries, as my boyfriend likes to say. Not that you’re going to sleep the day away, though Hazel wouldn’t disapprove.

3. Reward yourself
We reward our dogs for good behavior, so why not ourselves? Not only can it motivate us to do things we don’t want to do (exercise, anyone?), but it also can reinforce good habits (again, exercise?). Going to the gym = new pair of earrings. I’m thinking yes!

4. Never give up… easily
At the dog park last week, Hazel befriended a beagle and two minutes later they were in a full on run-a-thon. Hazel chased that beagle like she was the Energizer Bunny, but there was no way she was going to win that race! Eventually she realized this, but she sure gave it her all.

Love/relationships
5. Love unconditionally
Dogs don’t judge. Hazel literally loves everyone. While we humans have to be a bit more careful with our hearts, you have to give love to get it back.

6. Make new friends
Hazel is a social butterfly. She doesn’t miss an opportunity to make new friends, human or otherwise. I can be shy at times but Hazel, well, she will just go up and sniff another dog’s—you get the idea!

7. Show you care
When I come home from running an errand, Hazel acts like she hasn’t seen me in ages. Heck, my boyfriend gets a better “Welcome home” from her than me. It’s just too easy to take for granted the people closest to us.

Health
8. Get excited to exercise
Walk. It’s Hazel’s favorite word. She just explodes happiness when you say it. Why can’t I feel the same way about exercise? I’m hoping her love for running around will somehow rub off on my lazy bones. Her walks count for me too, right?

9. Eat when you’re hungry
When I pour Hazel a bowl of kibbles, she doesn’t come running like fat kid to an ice cream truck. You’ve heard the saying, eat to live don’t live to eat. Well, I’m really no good at following that mantra, but I’m trying to take my cues from Hazel, who doesn’t eat because she’s bored, stressed, sad, etc. Still…

10. Don’t deprive yourself
Hazel believes in treats. And so do I! Ha, my waistline can attest to that. But really, a piece of chocolate can go a long way in making you feel satisfied, especially if you’re counting calories. And then hopefully you won’t over do it on the kibbles later!