7 Lessons from my pup
I’m not the first to reflect on the profound impact our pets can have on us, and I most certainly won’t be the last. But as my dog, Bentley, gets older, I find myself thinking more and more about the lessons he’s taught me and the ways he’s impacted my life.
Bentley came into my world as a tiny 3-month-old ball of energy, and now, twelve years later, he’s still full of that same energy. I find myself both wishing he’d slow down and worrying he’s slowing down all at the same time.
You wouldn’t immediately guess his age—his gray hairs are discreetly tucked under his chin, and his puppy-like enthusiasm remains intact. He is still excited to go on his daily walks every day, and he would walk forever if we didn’t make him turn around.
But time has left its marks. A knee surgery a few years ago slowed him down a bit, and in recent years, he’s become a little more wobbly on his feet.
Last fall brought a scare that left me fearing a rapid decline. Thankfully, with the help of medication and physical therapy, Bentley bounced back. Since then, I’ve been more intentional about cherishing our time together. I wish I knew how many miles we’ve walked together, but nearly every day for 11 years and 3 months we’ve walked the streets of Denver. Some days can feel like a chore to walk him, but now I remind myself daily how lucky I am to get to take him for a walk.
As I reflect on the eleven years we’ve shared, I realize how much Bentley has taught me. Here are just a few of the lessons I’ve learned from him:
Lesson 1: Start every day excited.
Bentley greets each morning like it’s the best day ever. His unwavering enthusiasm is a reminder that we can choose our mindset each day, no matter what lies ahead.
Lesson 2: Move your body and get outside.
It’s not just good for the body—it’s a reset for the soul.
Lesson 3: Ask for what you want.
Need attention? Some space? Bentley doesn’t hesitate to communicate his needs, and he doesn’t feel guilty about it. We could all learn to advocate for ourselves more often.
Lesson 4: Lean into snuggles and hugs.
Connection matters.
Lesson 5: Be excited to meet everyone—but trust your instincts.
Bentley approaches every stranger with curiosity and friendliness, but he’s also quick to sense when someone’s energy feels off. It’s a lesson in balancing openness with intuition.
Lesson 6: Stop to smell the roses. And the grass. And the trees.
Slow down.
Lesson 7: Accept new love into your life.
Bentley’s heart is wide open to new friends and experiences. He’s shown me that it’s never too late to welcome new love into our lives, even if it comes with risks or change.
Bentley is too smart for his own good sometimes. I’m positive he understands English, he hears literally everything, and he has deep intuitions about how I’m feeling.
As I watch Bentley navigate this slower, wiser chapter of his life, I’m struck by his quiet resilience and unwavering joy. These lessons are his gift to me, a lifetime of love and wisdom wrapped up in fur and an ever-wagging tail.
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About the author: Kelly (Underell) Stevens is an alignment coach and speaker dedicated to helping women leaders and entrepreneurs grow their impact and live life on their own terms by giving them the tools to choose less and show up for themselves. Learn more at www.kellystevens.co.