Life Advice from Two Bernese Mountain Dogs
Why dogs make the best humans
By: Paige Japinga / 4 minute read
Meet Gemma and Regal, my hiking buddies, best friends, and my greatest teachers.
Behind those doting eyes and their friendly tri-colored facial expression lies the essence of wisdom and deep truths about life.
Every time we leave the house together, they show me how I can be kinder and more compassionate to others — and live in more harmony with myself and with nature. Here are three big lessons my Doggie Lamas have taught me:
KISS More!
No, I am not walking around Vail, Colorado kissing (or licking) random strangers on the street. I am pretty sure I would be in jail if that was the case! What I am referring to is the acronym, KISS: Keep It Simple Silly. Dogs are KISS masters and find joy in life's simple pleasures — an evening walk, fresh snow to play in, and even stopping to smell the roses, (Or, in their case, another dog's pee.)
Gemma and Regal don’t care about materialistic things. They don’t look at another dog’s expensive collar and wish they had one too. They also don’t stress about tomorrow, and they don’t carry around shame and guilt for things they’ve done in the past. (Gemma, I know you ate my loaf of bread and I still love you.)
Although they technically do not have the responsibilities that are on my plate, they still remind and inspire me to enjoy the little moments which I tend to miss because I am constantly managing my never-ending to-do list in my head. When we are on a walk, they remind me to enjoy the beautiful scenery Vail has to offer.
Most of all, they remind me to be grateful for this moment because it truly is a gift.
Greet Everyone with Enthusiasm!
There hasn’t been a hike or a walk where Gemma and Regal haven’t gone out of their way to greet another dog or human. It genuinely makes them happy to be able to interact with people and their fellow K9 friends. Gemma and Regal don’t discriminate or judge either. It doesn’t matter if the human is a complete stranger, when their cheerful greeting is all said and done, the smile on the recipient’s face is priceless.
It turns out that friendliness and openness for love are coded within their DNA! In 2017, Brigid VonHoldt of Princeton University published a study identifying the common underlying genetic basis for dogs’ “hyper-social behavior” by comparing the genes of 18 domesticated dogs and 10 captive human-socialized wolves. This explains why dogs are exceptionally social creatures and easily demonstrate their devoted love for their humans.
Humans are also wired for connection and without it, our health and well-being can suffer. And yet, there are days where I find myself so lost in my own thoughts that I forget to even acknowledge the person in front of me on the hiking trail. Thankfully, I am reminded by my gentle giants to stay present and to acknowledge the person in front of me, even if it’s a simple gesture like a wave or a smile.
Be an Empathetic Friend
This past fall, I tore my ACL, meniscuses, and fractured my tibia in a dirt biking accident. It was one of the worst experiences of my life. At times, the pain was so bad that I couldn’t even sleep. Through it all, Gemma, and Regal never left my side. Even when friends and neighbors came by to take them on a walk, they preferred to be with me.
Dogs are truly empathetic creatures. In 2018, researchers conducted a study with 34 dogs and their owners where the dogs were separated from their owners by a see-through glass door. Owners were instructed to make either a humming noise or a distressed call. The dogs that heard their beloved human in distress were able to open the door faster but displayed lower levels of stress than their baseline measurements.
Not only did these dogs feel empathy, but they suppressed their own emotions to be there for their humans which explains the deep connection between the two species.
Likewise, in her inspiring animated cartoon, Brene Brown explains why empathy is the best way to ease someone’s pain and suffering. Empathy fuels connection and creates a safe space to relate to others’ experiences. Brown explains that empathy means that we don’t have to try to make the situation better because what makes it better is connection.
When I reflect on this tough time in my life, I realized Gemma and Regal’s constant companionship helped me recover quicker. They couldn’t make the situation better or try to fix it with flowers or food but made me feel better by simply showing up and making the effort to connect with me.
This of course got me thinking… In what areas of my life can I be a more empathetic friend? How can I show up differently for others who are going through something difficult? Because chances are, the person I see on a weekly basis is going through something.
Sure, dogs have some habits that I don’t recommend emulating. Aside from pooping in the neighbor’s flowerbed, counter surfing the kitchen for leftovers, or eating mud, dogs have a lot to teach humans. Through the ups and downs of life, they are the most friendly, consistent, loyal, understanding, and loving companions that have accompanied me on my life journey. Although I’ve had a lot of great mentors in my life, as it turns out, Gemma and Regal are my greatest teachers.
