I’ll never fully admit it, but I’m almost sure my dog is smarter than me. He’s got himself a pretty sweet gig, sleeping all night and most of the day. Forget mini-retirements! His life is a perpetual nap that’s punctuated only with playtimes and snacks (and the occasional ride in the car). He charms people so easily that he could probably run for office and make waves as a write-in candidate. It’s time to admit defeat and just learn what I can from Roo, the true lifestyle guru.

1. Sleep whenever possible, in as warm a place as possible. Got five minutes and a place to lay? Then you’ve got the makings of a delicious nap or a good night’s sleep. Roo never worries that there are more important things to do than stretch out and rest. Despite the many important things on his mind, like figuring out how to take over the world and convert Denmark into a giant peanut butter factory, he manages to let it all go when it’s time for bed. We could all learn to do the same. Get enough rest and stop letting daily life intrude on our sleep.

2. Don’t let anybody talk you into doing something you’re not comfortable with. Whether that means taking a bath or whizzing in the snow, know your limits and stand up for them. Don’t let people cajole you with sweet tones or promises of jerky. If we could all learn to say “no” as well as our pets do, we might have fewer commitments and less guilt.

3. When you need help, ask for it. When Roo needs a door opened, a toy fetched from under a chair, or help of any kind, he asks for it. Loudly. He doesn’t worry that he’ll come off as needy or that he’ll be less important to his family. He knows that he simply doesn’t have opposable thumbs. Life would be a lot simpler if we all learned to ask for help when we needed it and didn’t sweat any real or imagined ramifications.

4. Holding grudges won’t get you anywhere. So he got yelled at yesterday for running out of the house. Today’s a new day, and holding a grudge isn’t going to get him his breakfast any sooner. I’m truly inspired by how quickly dogs can forget minor hurts and just move on. Letting go so easily is a habit we can all strive to emulate.

5. Smiling gets you (almost) everything you want. Roo’s learned, in his own life and through generations of doggie DNA, that people are more easily bent to his will when he’s smiling and sweet. If he wants to be petted, he smiles at you instead of nipping and barking for more. I think that most of us forget this rule from time to time. (I know I do.) From spouses to strangers, most people are more willing to help you when you’re smiling instead of sniping. Make a conscious effort to be positive and see how your circumstances change.

6. Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. So he can’t swim. Who cares if he doesn’t catch frisbees? He’s a great tracker and an excellent hide-and-seek strategist. Unlike his human counterparts, Roo doesn’t sit around worrying about the things he can’t do. He simply dives into the things he’s great at with gusto and enthusiasm. If he were to offer advice, I have a feeling he’d say to focus on your strengths and nap through the rest.

7. Stay out of other people’s business. No one likes their ass sniffed. Keep your nose out of other people’s business and you’ll find people are much more relaxed around you.

8. Nobody cares about your fancy collar. Plus, it kinda itches. And you get in trouble if you get too dirty while wearing it. Seriously. Probably the only person who cares about your designer clothes and status bags is you. So, if they make you happy, that’s great. Just don’t expect the rest of the world to fall all over itself.

9. Nothing beats a good kiss. There’s no better way to show affection than with a big, wet kiss. Whether you miss your favorite person or you’re trying to make them feel better, there’s never a bad time to show people you care. Loosen up about showing affection and watch your relationships bloom.

10. There’s nothing better than a sunny day and a good belly rub. Roo’s an expert at enjoying the simple things in life. No fancy cars or designer food for him, just the warm sun, a spot to enjoy it, and a good breeze to sniff. We should all be so lucky as to enjoy such true pleasures.

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