In This Article:
- Dogs as mirrors for human values like loyalty, empathy, and integrity
- How canine behavior can inspire greater self-awareness
- The silent wisdom of animals and how it influences our well-being
- The lessons dogs teach us about compassion and loyalty
- How to be your best self through dog-inspired values
What Dogs Can Teach Us About Love, Loyalty, and Joy
by Elizabeth Anne Johnson, author of the book "Know Your Dog's True Nature".
Money can buy you a fine dog,
but only love can make him wag his tail.
—Kinky Friedman
Who doesn’t love a happy wagging tail? Animal behaviorists have long since gathered all the clues of tail height, sweep range, and speed that can determine the nuances and meanings of numerous different tail wags, including my favorite—happy wagging.
Can’t you just feel the beautiful energy of happy when your pup is happy wagging? Doesn’t it just fill you up with a big smile? I’ve watched stone-faced people soften and break into the most beautiful smile when a happy wagging dog tail says hello.
I like to think of happy wagging as a sign of connection, a deep, heart-opening connection that floats gratitude all around you like a gentle mist on a hot day. The kind that fills your whole body with an utterly complete smile.
Happy Wagging Dog Metaphor
To me happy wagging is a metaphor for a peaceful, meaningful existence, one that brings happiness and joy to the little things in life. A wag here, a wag there, look at all the beautiful energy we can toss out into the wind to blow seeds that flower and create more smiles. It truly can be contagious!
I’ve spent my whole life trying to make that happen. My own efforts pale compared to my dog’s successes! Truth be told, I’ve learned from my dogs how to vicariously happy wag my tail when I see a dear friend, or something that touches my heart or makes me laugh. And of course, I always happy wag when I see a happy wagging dog!
Honoring the Silent Connections
We are in a refreshing new era of honoring the silent connections we have with our incredible dogs and all sentient beings here on Earth. Noticing the complexities of the interweaving of their lives with ours gives us a drive to learn more, and to create space in our hearts to share, advocate, and support their evolution and each being’s genuine expression.
Everyone and everything has a purpose, a reason for being. Bees have the amazing job of pollinating plants and making yummy honey in the process. Birds scatter seeds for new growth while giving us beauty and joyful songs. Dogs give us loyalty, laughter, companionship, and if we are listening, teach us about life.
Being The Best Version of Ourselves
How can we be the best expression of ourselves as humans to accomplish what these beings can? How can we open our eyes and hearts to truly see who other beings are, and create a beautiful bubble of understanding that enfolds our relationships? How can we learn from the many, many teachings of all these amazing beings here on earth?
We can widen our view, quiet our minds, and open our hearts to find genuine empathy and awe for every creature, large and small. Like the many great masters before us, we can accept others and their place in the world. We can be a steward for their growth and a vibrant torch for their well-being. We can daily embrace our Five Element wisdom to find the best versions of ourselves and others.
This understanding, compassion, and empathy can be a panacea for our inner selves and our relationships. Animals feel all our vibrations. The tiniest beings, even bugs and plants, and certainly our dogs, can be affected by our inner thoughts and feelings. The more awareness and kindness we project, the more we see and feel kindness.
Dogs As Ambassadors for Other Species
Dogs are ambassadors for the many other species of this world. They were brave enough many centuries ago to step up and be part of our human lives. I envision that the first humans who accepted dogs as companions felt that happy wagging smile surround them and deeply touch their own wild hearts. I am certain it was an odd feeling but a good one, which has managed to endure and expand for centuries.
Dogs too have endured and thrived beside us, as we have beside them. For dogs it is a very long story of leaving the wild behind and moving towards domestication. But the species accomplished it. Now it is time for us to return back to the wild that we once knew and honored. The wild of our hearts.
Solid Dog Values to Live By
A dog’s medicine is trust, loyalty, reflection, protection, family, honor, and integrity. These are all solid values that live in the uncharted wilds of our human hearts.
Dogs ask us to explore these values within ourselves and walk a good road with each step we take. They are truly our teachers, even when we think we are teaching them.
When we look at the interactive personalities of our dogs and ourselves, our different or similar wants and needs, we can finally understand the unique dynamics that brought us together so many moons ago. Dogs and humans have always shared an innate drive for companionship and family, as well as the need for support and guidance. If we humans pay attention, we also share our high sensitivity levels for both others, our own health and well-being, and even sometimes, danger.
We can also see the richness, joy, and supportive structures in our combined relationships. This understanding can soften our judgements, stimulate acceptance for who we both are, and create a gentle harmony between us.
Dogs Help Make the World a Better Place
Understanding can truly make the world a better place, as our peaceful home vibrations reach out and stretch like the sun to create a kinder, gentler world. Every piece of awareness, acceptance, and clarity fills not only our life but energetically radiates out into the world, making life just a little bit better and a little bit brighter.
We finally see the background behind the stage and it’s not nearly as scary as we thought it was. It holds whimsy, hope, and potential.
It holds a happy wagging tail.
Copyright ©2024. All Rights Reserved.
Adapted with permission from the publisher,
Findhorn Press, an imprint of Inner Traditions Intl.
Article Source:
BOOK: Know Your Dog's True Nature
Know Your Dog's True Nature: Understanding Canine Personality through the Five Elements
by Elizabeth Anne Johnson.
With sensitivity and skill, master animal healer Elizabeth Anne Johnson takes you into the body, mind, and heart of the dog—sharing intimate stories of working dogs who are changing the world, rescue dogs who change us, old dogs offering profound wisdom, and humans making the world a better place.
Introducing the five element archetypes of the Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water Dog, Know Your Dog's True Nature illuminates practical ways to gain insight into the unique personalities of your animal companion. As you explore the similarities and dynamics between dog and human, you'll come to appreciate the mutually supportive structures and richness in your relationships, an understanding that helps to create a peaceful and happy home environment for all.
Click here for more info and/or to order this paperback book. Also available as an audiobook and as a Kindle edition.
About the Author
Elizabeth Anne Johnson, EEBW, CBW, has worked on behalf of the health and wellness of small and large pets, exotic animals, and wildlife for 35 years. She is a holistic animal healer, wildlife biologist and rehabilitator, mentor, adventurer, and howling partner of Wilbur and Pretzel, rescues extraordinaire.
Author's website: ElizabethAnneJohnson.com
Article Recap:
This article explores the significance of a dog’s wagging tail as a powerful symbol of connection and emotional insight. Through canine behavior, we discover how animals reflect human values such as loyalty, compassion, and purpose—and how tuning in to these lessons can enrich our relationships and personal growth. With wisdom drawn from nature and ancient values, this piece reveals how dogs guide us to empathy, authenticity, and a better world—one wag at a time.
#DogWisdom #WaggingTail #CanineCommunication #EmotionalConnection #DogHumanBond #AnimalIntelligence #FiveElementWisdom #CanineLove #DogLoyalty #HumanAnimalBond #ElizabethAnneJohnson #KnowYourDog #EmotionalHealing
