Living with Dogs: Life Lessons from Our Four-Legged Friends

Michelle Redgrave-Moore
Jun 6
3 min read

Living with dogs doesn’t just make life better—it teaches us how to live better. From emotional wisdom to daily routines, dogs are masters of presence, love, and resilience. If you’ve ever shared your life with one (or a few), you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Dogs have been part of my life—and work—for decades. From therapy dogs to village strays, each one has shaped me in unforgettable ways. Here’s what I’ve learned from them along the way:

1. Emotional Intelligence and Compassion

Unconditional Love:

Dogs love you as you are. No filters, no judgement. Your mood, job title, diagnosis or past mistakes? Irrelevant to them.

Empathy:

Tuning in to your dog’s needs sharpens your awareness of nonverbal cues—something that translates into human relationships.

Emotional Healing:

Dogs have a unique calming effect. They ease stress, lift anxiety, and offer silent support. My Labradors worked as therapy dogs with children on the autism spectrum, elderly individuals with dementia, and people with special needs. They opened doors to deeper, more meaningful human connection.

2. Routine and Responsibility

Dogs Thrive on Routine: Walks, meals, rest—it all runs like clockwork, kinda, and they remind you when you’re off track. That structure can be grounding and even healing for us, too.

Daily Commitment:

There’s no “I’ll do it later” with dogs. They rely on you for everything—from food to safety to affection. It’s a responsibility that deepens your sense of purpose.

3. Health, Mindfulness and Being Present

More Movement, Better Health:

Whether it's a daily walk or a muddy adventure, dogs get you outside and moving. Good for your heart, your body, and your soul.

Mindfulness in Motion: Dogs live in the now. Watching them sniff the breeze, chase a fly or run aside my ATV, reminds me to slow down and enjoy the moment. Their presence really is a present.

4. Communication and Boundaries

Body Language Experts: Dogs teach you to listen without words. You learn to read posture, eye contact, tone, and energy.

Calm Assertiveness: Training requires clear boundaries and patience. I’ve learned that positive reinforcement works wonders—but so does love, humour, and a strong sense of leadership.

Sometimes, the tail really does wag the dog (especially when my pack gangs up on me), but gently stepping back into the role of calm, assertive pack leader always brings balance.

5. Adaptability and Growth

Unexpected Challenges: From dog attacks to surgeries and recovery, life with dogs keeps you flexible and resourceful.Tip from my vet: If your dog gets a gash or bite, clean the wound and pack it with white sugar or honey to help prevent necrosis.

Learning to Let Go:

Dogs teach us about love—and eventually, loss. It’s never easy, but it’s part of the journey.

We are often in a dog’s life for all of it. But they’re only in ours for a short chapter—10 to 15 years if we’re lucky. That brief but powerful time leaves an indelible mark.

My Pack and DogmantraUK

I ran a dog walking and holiday care business in the UK for 10 years—DogmantraUK. My home became a second home for many dogs, some staying weeks at a time. They became part of my pack. Many have now crossed the rainbow bridge, including my two beloved Labradors.

Aztec, my 12-year-old, is still going strong, now enjoying life in Bulgaria with a growing new pack.

6. Love, Loyalty and Belonging

The Joy of Companionship:

Dogs are always happy to see you. Their love is grounding, loyal, and often indescribable.

You Are Enough:

To a dog, you are the world. That quiet confidence they give you—that you’re already enough—is deeply healing.

Life with Dogs in Bulgaria

Today, in Obidim, Bulgaria, our home—ubuntu-ubuntu—is blessed with a motley but wonderful crew:

Aztec, who made the journey from the UK
Nike and Obi, our rescues
Maika, the free-spirited village dog who treats us like a hotel
Masha and Zizzi, who technically have other owners but often choosing to spend time with our pack

Nearby, Bansko Street Dogs continues to care for dogs who’ve never known a real home. Thanks to Sara, her amazing volunteers, and Workawayers, many are now people-friendly and waiting for their forever families.