Libby will play and run and leap and gallop…until she stops.

By Laurie Stone

My Yorkie Libby has taught us a lot in six years. Patience, fortitude and endurance come to mind. But she’s also given some unexpected life lessons, maybe even caused us to look at ourselves differently. Here are five things our pint-sized Libby does each day, which I’ve added to my regime, too.

Adventure

It doesn’t have to be a trip around the world. Libby loves our daily walks around the neighborhood. And even though it’s the same routine each day, it changes depending on the light, weather and season. Despite the same terrain, Libby always finds something new and interesting to explore.

Her relentless curiosity inspires me to look deeper into my own surroundings: the amazing flowers of spring, the bumblebees of summer, wafting fall leaves, and the soft snowfalls of winter. They’re all there in their own time. Libby has helped me slow down and cherish each one.

Socializing

More than anything, Libby loves being with everyone. Put another way, she hates being alone. “Everyone” includes my husband Randy, my mom and two grown sons (when they’re around). Wherever there are family members together, you’ll find Libby. I see how sad she’d be if she were alone all day. She always needs her family nearby. It gives this Yorkie a sense of belonging.

Libby helps me see how connection is vital. An introvert by nature, I still need family and friends as much as ever. Whether it’s catching up on everyone’s day, solving the world’s problems or just listening, Libby reminds us the pack is important.

Cuddles

Each day Libby climbs onto my lap, and we have one of our “moments.” She gazes into my eyes and plants kisses on my cheek with her little pink tongue. I’m not alone in her affection campaign. Each day this little dog shows frenzied, tail-wagging love to every beloved person she encounters. It only lasts a minute, but all get a formal, heart-felt greeting.

Seeing Libby’s example, I make more of a point of hugging my husband each day, as well as my mom and sons. And if there’s no one around to hug, you can hug yourself! Libby reminds me that we all need touch and affection.

Play

Libby will grab one of her little plush animals and shake it ferociously, growl, and try and tear it to bits. We end up with toy stuffing everywhere. Isn’t that delightful? Well, maybe not, but that’s her way of playing.

Sometimes she’ll shove a toy at me until I pick it up and throw it. And even though I’m in the middle of making dinner or doing housework or writing this blog post, a play break feels good. I’ll stop what I’m doing and we’ll play fetch and keep away for a few minutes. I always go back to what I was doing feeling refreshed.

Rest

Libby will play and run and leap and gallop…until she stops. Then she must rest and it can be anywhere at any time, in the middle of a crowded party, under the Thanksgiving table or on top of some newly-folded laundry. She feels no guilt resting and relaxing in the middle of the day.

I must admit, this is one area I’m good at. I love reading, so curling up with a good book is never hard. But there are days when the to-do list is more frantic than others. Even taking 15 minutes breaks here and there helps. Libby shows how downtime and honoring the body’s need for rest is a big part of self-care.

And that’s it. Amazing what animals can teach us. Just when we think we know it all, a little Yorkie shows there’s still much more to learn.

Laurie Stone writes from the woods of Easton, Conn. Her blog, “Musings, Rants &Scribbles,” shares thoughts on growing up, older and (hopefully) wiser. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.