What Has Your Pet Taught You About Life?

No wonder dogs-not to mention cats, birds, and bunnies-are man's best friend: These loyal, lovable creatures are also surprisingly wise. This month, readers share lessons from the animals who rule their roosts.

Christopher Silas Neal

My fat, cantankerous cat, Pasadena, often rolls off the couch accidentally while she's sleeping. Every time it happens, she gets back up and struts her stuff, as if to say, "Yeah, I fell down, but I'm still awesome." She reminds me not to take myself too seriously.
Adriana Macias
Albany, California

Also See: How Much Do Pets Really Cost?


When Jacques, my 12-pound silver poodle, got into a tussle with a mule deer, he lost an eye. For days afterward, I was devastated. But Jacques had a different reaction. His first morning home from the vet, he got up with his tail wagging, excited to greet a new day. By moving on so quickly, he showed me that you shouldn't hold on to sorrow when you can be happy. I've given him a new nickname-Jacques Sparrow-because he's the bravest little pirate I know.
Barbara O'Grady
Gardiner, Montana

Also See: 8 Great Places to Adopt a Pet


My two cats do only the things that they want to do. I, on the other hand, often agree to take on responsibilities or accept invitations that don't interest me, simply because I can't think of a good excuse not to. But lately I've tried to take a page from the Book of Kitty and say, "No, thank you," when I wish to decline. Thanks, Stachie and Flow!
Barbara Selig
Shoreline, Washington

Also See: Real Simple Pet Products


Living with a puppy who chewed my baseboards, destroyed my shoes, and stained my carpets made me realize that stuff is just stuff-it can be replaced. Now when anyone in the family messes up (the dog has a lapse in house-training; my fiancé breaks a plate or a mug), I simply take it in stride.
Maggie Drew
San Antonio, Texas

Also See: Insuring Your Pet


Wisdom from my shepherd mix, Boone: Taking a walk in the park (in any kind of weather) will always make you feel better.
Sue Elliott
Tempe, Arizona

Also See: How to Protect Your Pet's Health


The most wonderful things often happen unexpectedly. I'll never forget the blustery day when I went outside to get the paper and saw a black-and-white rabbit sitting there. The Humane Society couldn't catch her, but six weeks later I did. In no time at all, this bunny, Oreo, had me wrapped around her little paw. She has brought me so much joy and love-and I never planned on any of it.
Vickie Strayer
Omaha, Nebraska

Also See: 8 Things Your Pet Shouldn't Eat


Read more life lessons readers learned from their pets here


You Might Also Like:
Pet-Themed New Uses for Old Things

Solutions to Common Pet Problems

7 Warm-Weather Pet Products