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Doggy member Archie, the Golden Retriever, sat on a carpet of yellow, wet leaves wearing the biggest, happiest smile, showing off his pearly whites!

Self love and care: Lessons from our canine companions

1 February 2024

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to forget the simple joys that bring us peace and happiness. But, sometimes, the best teachers of self-love and care walk on four legs, wag their tails, and greet us with boundless enthusiasm at the door.

Here are some valuable lessons our canine companions teach us about how to love ourselves and live a fuller life.

Love unconditionally

Doggy member Kalvin, the Cavapoo, reaching out his paw to his human's hand as they chill on the sofa
Doggy member Kalvin, the Cavapoo

Dogs show us that to love unconditionally is to accept ourselves and others without judgment. They don’t care about the mistakes we made yesterday or the worries of tomorrow. This pure form of love encourages us to embrace our flaws and appreciate our strengths, fostering a deeper sense of self-acceptance.

Have a pawsitive attitude

A sweet close up of Doggy member Barclay, the Cross Breed, smiling happily, with a loving gaze and soft, relaxed ears
Doggy member Barclay, the Cross Breed

No matter the weather, our dogs are always eager for a walk or play. They remind us of the power of maintaining a positive outlook on life. A pawsitive attitude helps us navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Don't give up

Doggy member Harry, the Patterdale Terrier, playing in the garden, leaping forwards with his ball in his mouth
Doggy member Harry, the Patterdale Terrier

Watching our pooches chase after a ball over and over again or work hard to learn a new trick inspires us not to give up on our goals. Their determination teaches us the importance of persistence and hard work in achieving our dreams, reminding us that every effort counts in the journey of self-improvement.

Live in the moment

Doggy member Koby, the Golden Retriever, sitting on a pebbled beach enjoying the sea breeze with the widest smile, his eyes are closed!
Doggy member Koby, the Golden Retriever

One of the most precious lessons dogs teach us is to live in the moment. Whether they're basking in the sun or simply enjoying a belly rub, dogs are masters of mindfulness. They encourage us to appreciate the present, find joy in the little things, and not worry too much about the past or the future.

Get plenty of sleep

Doggy member Ronnie, the Miniature Dachshund snoozing soundly on his back in his human's arms
Doggy member Ronnie, the Miniature Dachshund

Dogs understand the importance of rest. Watching them stretch out and doze off without a care in the world reminds us to prioritise our well-being by getting plenty of sleep. Rest is crucial for our physical and mental health, allowing us to recharge and tackle life with renewed energy.

Make time to play every day

Doggy member Robin, the Cocker Spaniel, holding a plush, orange and blue toy eagerly awaiting to play
Doggy member Robin, the Cocker Spaniel

Playtime is not just for pups. Engaging in daily play or activities we enjoy is vital for our happiness and mental health. It's a reminder that life is not all about work and responsibilities. Making time for play and laughter is essential for nurturing our inner child and unleashing creativity.

In embracing these lessons from our BFFs, we learn to practice self-love and care in its most genuine form. BorrowMyDoggy believes in spreading this joy and understanding, creating a community where the bond between humans and dogs strengthens the heart and soul.

Let's take a leaf out of our dogs’ book and embark on a journey of self-discovery, love, and care, with our loyal companions by our side, teaching us every step of the way.

What is BorrowMyDoggy?

BorrowMyDoggy connects dog owners with trusted local people who would love to spend time with a dog. We make it easy to arrange walks, playtime, overnight stays or holidays. Our aim is to help dog owners when they need it, give dogs more exercise and playtime and to allow people without a dog to spend quality time with one. We call it a win-win (or a woof-­woof) situation for everyone involved.

Learn more about BorrowMyDoggy


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