Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions we can experience. A gratitude practice significantly improves your mental & emotional well-being. Feelings of gratitude shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life which strengthens relationships, reduces stress & boosts happiness by activating your brain's reward system which increases your levels of the "feel-good" chemicals: dopamine and serotonin.
Taking even just a few minutes a day to reflect on what brings you joy and fills your heart with gratitude reduces stress, increases self-esteem, improves sleep and immune functioning, lowers blood pressure and a lot more. When I think about all the things in my life I'm grateful for, dogs - both mine and those of clients - are always at the top of that list. I’m willing to bet your dog is high on your list, too—and if your dog could talk, I’m sure you would be high on their list!
A couple of years ago, I wrote a post called 13 Things Your Dog Is Grateful For, which hasn't made it to the new blog yet so I've updated and expanded that article for 2024 to include 16 things your dog is grateful for. A lot has changed in the world and in most of our lives over the past few years; one thing that hasn’t changed is the unconditional love, faithfulness and gratitude our dogs show us every single day.
Last week, I shared about how dogs make me grateful and today it's the dogs' turn. Whether or not dogs truly feel gratitude may be up for debate among scientists. However, as dog parents, you and I know the truth, don’t we? Just look at the face of a newly rescued pup settling into their first cozy bed. That pure, heart-melting expression says it all: dogs absolutely understand gratitude.
So, after some “very scientific” input from clients, dog-loving friends and the internet, I’ve compiled a list of 16 things your dog is grateful to YOU for this year.
Here are 16 Things Your Dog Is Grateful For This Year:
1. That They Have You in Their Life
To your dog, you’re their entire world. You’re their anchor, their source of comfort and their best friend. They're entire life revolves around you.
2. More Time with You!
Maybe this is a silver lining from the pandemic but more people work from home these days or have alternative schedules allowing them to spend more time with their dogs. If you're one of those, your dog is truly grateful for every minute of that extra time.
3. Being Chosen by You
Whether you adopted your dog as a puppy or adult or went to a reputable breeder, your dog is grateful your path crossed with theirs and that you chose them, out of all the other dogs in the world, to be an important part of your family.
4. Healthy Meals and Dietary Variety
Your pup appreciates the care you put into feeding them meals that nourish their body and sometimes even delight their taste buds.
5. All the Treats
Because who doesn’t love treats? (Especially the ones you sneak them when no one’s looking!) Whether the treat is a training reward or a "just because" treat, your dog thanks you for it!
6. Walks Full of Sniffs, Exploration & Companionship
Your dog is thankful not just for the walks you take together - which they love. They're also grateful for the moments you let them choose the route and sniff to their heart’s content. Most of all, your dog is grateful for you being there. Your companionship is everything to them.
7. A Safe and Cozy Place to Sleep
Whether it’s their own plush bed, a warm and cozy crate, the corner of your couch or right next to you in your bed, your dog cherishes the safe space you provide them for snoozing.
8. Veterinary Care and Wellness Practices
Your dog may not love vet visits, but they’re grateful for the way you look out for their health and well-being and ensure their physical, intellectual and emotional needs are met.
9. Being Kept Safe
From microchipping to leashes to secure play areas, your pup appreciates all your efforts to protect them and keep them safe from both at home and out in the world.
10. Belly Rubs
Because let’s face it: belly rubs are the ultimate gesture of love.
11. Kind and Humane Training
Your dog is grateful that you teach them what you want through rewards, not punishment. Your dog appreciates that you prioritize a positive learning experience and building a deep bond with them based on trust and understanding.
12. Fun and Enriching Toys
Chew toys, puzzle games, lick mats, fetch balls—the list is endless! Your dog loves the energy you put into keeping their mind sharp, their body engaged and their emotional needs addressed.
13. Cuddles and Ear Scritches
Dogs are tactile creatures. Whether it’s a snuggle on the couch or a quick scratch behind the ears as you walk past, your pup cherishes every moment of physical connection with you.
14. Your Patience and Understanding
Natural dog behaviors can be contrary to how humans want them to behave in our world. Your dog notices when you remain calm, even when they make mistakes. They’re grateful you don’t yell or punish them when things don’t go perfectly. They want you to know they are trying their best!
15. Your Lifelong Commitment to Them
Dogs are forever grateful to owners who promise to stand by them, even when they grow older or life becomes more complicated. This may seem like a no-brainer to you but there are many folks who choose not to make this level of commitment. Your dog knows you're special because you're committed for their whole life.
16. Your Unconditional Love
Dogs naturally love unconditionally; humans don't. So, whether your dog is silly, messy, or mischievous, they now that no matter what, you love them without conditions. They feel safe in the warmth of your unconditional love, and it means the world to them.
What Would YOUR Dog Add?
It’s your turn! What do you think your dog would add to this list? Ask them! (Or just imagine what they might say.) Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas and I'll add all the new ones to next year's post.
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