I’ve had my dog Ferris since he was a puppy. He’s the first dog I’ve raised on my own, and while it was a lot more work than I thought it would be (training an adolescent dog is a true test of patience), it's also been one of the most eye opening and fulfilling experiences of my life so far. Sure, I’ve trained Ferris and taught him the ways of the world, but he’s also taught me. Being around him and baring witness to the pure and unfiltered reactions he has to people, places and things gives me a new, cuter, and fluffier take on life.

Dog’s know what’s important in life. Living alongside one, I’m lucky to be reminded of these things everyday. Here are the top three life lessons Ferris has taught me.

1 Live in the Moment

Dogs are always present. They’re constantly taking in their surroundings; sniffing, listening and looking (in that order). Their sense of smell and hearing are stronger than ours, which makes how they experience the world very different. A lot of the time, us humans tend to rely on just what we see. Dogs however are very tuned into all of their senses. When I’m out with Ferris, it’s amazing how much his little nose goes, picking up on scents that I never will. Dogs also don’t spend time thinking about the past or the future. Their only concern is in the here and now. So when I’m with him, Ferris brings me into his world. One where there is only that moment. On our walks he loves to explore and create opportunities to play, so when he stops to roll in what he deems to be the best patch of grass or run through a thicket or dig in the sand, I always let him and share in the joy he has. He reminds me to be here everyday by appreciating all the little wonders. It’s an incredible miracle to see the world through the eyes of a dog.

2 Cherish Everyone

Dogs have the inherent quality of making you feel like you’re the best person in the world. They shower you with kisses, they greet you desperately every time you return as if you’ve been away for years at war, and they see the very best in you. They love their people with no limits. We all know that we don’t deserve dogs- and that’s why. They love unconditionally. They give to no end. They cherish you. We would all do well to take a page from their book. Don’t we all want to be like dogs and make everyone feel more loved, welcomed and needed? Dogs have no social barrier to contain this affection. When I wake up in the morning and Ferris jumps onto my bed licking me, or when we meet friends at the park and he can’t help but run over to them with his crooked smile and lil tail waggin’, I can’t help but laugh and smile and feel that warmth inside. His love is known because he’s not afraid to show it. Dogs make everyone feel like somebody because they give us their undivided attention. They empathize, they listen and they always have open arms- or paws- for us. If I can make people around me feel as good as Ferris does, then I’ll be doing something right.

3 Don’t Be Afraid to get Dirty

No one gets through life without a scratch or some grass stains- and if they do, they didn’t really live. You have to be willing to get your hands dirty- or your entire body like Ferris does nearly everywhere he goes! Whether it’s swimming in the ocean, rolling in the sand or finding a literal mud pile to lay in (that’s the best one for clean up), Ferris goes ALL IN. How could I possibly stop him from becoming a mud monster when it’s obviously his passion? Running amok and becoming the dirtiest dog at the park is the highlight of his day and I’m not going to take that away from him. I’d rather join in! Nothing quite beats the excitement I see in his eyes when he’s found the spot in a creek where he can run and splash in it back and forth. To fully experience something, sometimes you’ve got to let go of your inhibitions, just play and be willing to look like a fool. Getting dirty is just a sign that you went for it, both in a literal and figurative sense. If we keep ourselves from getting some dirt on our shoes or, figuratively speaking, making a mistake or trying something new, then we are missing out on part of our experience. Luckily with Ferris, there’s no chance I’ll forget that. Also there are baths and washing machines… Nothing is permanent, so jump in, you can clean up later.