Dog Wisdom

I just finished reading a delightful book that acknowledges the wisdom we learn from our dogs. Not only that, but it is about one of my favorite people, Deepak Chopra.

The book, Walking Wisdom; Three Generations, Two Dogs, and the Search for a Happy Life, is written by his son, Gotham Chopra.


Gotham is a new father and he is contemplating the influences he wants to draw on for his own son. Not only will he impart the wisdom gleaned from his father, but he also understands the wisdom that his two dogs have taught him.

In the book, Gotham shares stories of his "walks and talks" with his dad relating to the dogs in their lives. They realize that the qualities that they observe and admire most in their dogs are values we humans would do well to nuture in ourselves.

Dogs do teach us!

I love this photo on the back of the cover. Listening to a podcast of Gotham talking about his book, he mentioned this photo. He was most concerned about what his dog, Cleo, was going to do about the lolly pop. Meanwhile, the only one looking at the camera is his famous dad. In the interview, Gotham laughs at his dad focusing on the camera.

I think it is a very sweet photo.

Cesar Shares What Dogs Teach

When humans bring a dog into their lives, they are most often looking for a companion; what they may not realize is that they are getting a teacher as well.

Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, says, "One of the most valuable lessons my dogs have taught me is how to have a healthy relationship. In any relationship - human-canine, human-human, human-pachyderm you cannot have the bond you are looking for unless you fulfill the others' needs. If you're not giving your dog what he requires, he'll let you know by chewing your shoes, jumping up on your guests, pulling on the walk, or one of many other behavior problems. It's not malicious. He's just finding another way to meet the needs programmed in him by Mother Nature."

According to Cesar, "In order to fulfill one another, we need to look outside ourselves and really understand what the other needs and how their psychology works. That's the foundation for a balanced, healthy relationship with any species."

But that's not all dogs have to teach us. Cesar states, "They educate us about the value of consistency. If you apply Exercise, Discipline, then Affection every day without fail, your dog will reward you with loyal companionship."

He emphasizes that "They show us how to live life to the fullest by being balanced and celebrating every moment. They have taught me to value the simplicity of life itself. They intensify every moment that I am with them. And for that, I am eternally grateful."