When we think about famous human–pet pairings, who does our mind immediately go to? Maybe Hedwig and Harry, Hermione and Crookshanks, Travis and Old Yeller, Dorothy and Toto, or Opal and Winn-Dixie! Maybe even Dr. Evil and his hairless cat, Mr. Bigglesworth. These pairings differ in some ways, but both expose two things: the people and their loyal pets. Although many pets bless us with devotion and companionship, cats and canines have become our most popular pets, and these pets we will be examining here. Our pets know how to teach us about ourselves and life more than we maybe think.

During my first college semester, my rhetoric teacher took our class out one afternoon. We sat on large steps beneath venerable trees while she wore a vivid red jacket and brought her puppy, who sported droopy Yoda ears. Gathered around her, she began by telling this crucial thought: "Dogs exist in the moment. Yes, they recall a favorite tree or sitting down, but they don't ponder too much about yesterday or fear tomorrow. They simply are." And unlike us, who use meditation or prayer to remain fixed in mind, dogs instinctively exist in the present—and always have.

That message led to a story she read out loud—written by someone else. In it, a man tells about finding a dying stray dog by the road. He knelt next to it, feeling very sad, but then noticed something surprising. The dog wasn’t afraid of dying. It was just looking up at the man, wondering why *he* wasn’t enjoying the moment. The dog smiled calmly and passed away. He didn’t think about heaven or hell. He just wanted the man to keep living his life. That story explained the idea that “religion is a smile on a dog.”

Dogs have been termed our best friends, but I personally think cats qualify, too. Both pets carry wisdom and instincts that teach lessons we tend to overlook as human beings. Below are five precious reminders they accord us every day:

1. Living in the Present

Andrew Harvey once told a story about a woman who had no job, was poor, and felt hopeless—until a street dog came into her life. She didn’t see God. She saw a dirty, hungry puppy. At first, she felt angry. “Why should *I* help?” she thought. But she took the dog home, took care of him, and they were together for ten years. He changed her life. The dog, no matter what, had been smiling. She learned from that moment that being here even when it hurts is strong. That dog didn’t feel sorry for himself. He taught her how to live *now*.

2. Taking time to see nature

Years back, our beloved cat Ashes took off and never returned. Then we adopted a new cat, who is quite a contrast: bolder, more playful, and a bit dog-like. But again, just like Ashes, this cat absolutely loves peering out through windows. Though unable to venture out herself, she loves watching what goes on in our backyard: squirrels, birds, bugs, and even snakes. Perhaps she wants to capture them—or perhaps she's in awe. Catching myself doing this while I ride my bike, I started noticing things myself. Now I appreciate birds soaring overhead and snails on the ground. It's all worth gazing at.

3. Taking Care of the Body

Take a glance at your cat's whiskers. Every whisker has a special nerve at the end that helps it perceive space, balance, and motion. Dogs' whiskers have these, too. Natural sensors aid them in knowing if they can squeeze through narrow places or detect changes in the air. They don't hate their bodies like people often do; they use them wisely and instinctively. While humans tend to criticize their own bodies, animals teach us to tune into our senses and appreciate incredible machines that enable us to survive daily.

4. Sharing Your Emotions and Having Fun

If we know our own body pretty well, we'll be at ease expressing what we think or having a good time without fear. Dogs bark, whine, and wag their tails without inhibition. Cats are a bit reserved but still tell how they feel—with a toss of their tail or a gentle mew. They express how they feel and then go about their own business. It's the same with having a good time: they jump, bound, and enjoy now. We people keep our delight or hide our feelings. Pets show us how expressing ourselves—with delight or honesty—is freedom.

5. Resting when necessary

Has a pet ever awakened on your chest without moving? Aren't they telling you to "Stay. Rest. Be still."? Though this may not be a convenient moment for you, they may be absolutely right. Most people are going nonstop and can't relax. They remain awake and anxious, reading or thinking incessantly. Eventually, however, this does them a lot of harm. Cats sleep without feeling guilty about it. Dogs pass out wherever they feel secure. That's rest. Rejuvenating sleep keeps them stress-free—and we can learn a lesson or two from them. There is nothing bad about knowing how to take a break.

Pets aren't toys or friends; they're beings with a level of consciousness. What's key is that they teach us how to be: living in the present moment, having a good time, present, and whole within ourselves and all around us. They don't resist life; they flow. If we listen, they can teach us how to do this too.

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