Amber and I discuss some of the lessons Max taught us and how they inspired us to write our book.

No matter what holidays you celebrate, this is the season to share inspiration. While some may look to a star in the sky or a container of oil, some of us will also look to our dogs. Here are some of the lessons learned from the dogs of some of our followers. Some lessons are practical, some are heartfelt and some just make you laugh.

“Unconditional love, understanding and forgiveness” are three things @ReneeATNutro has learned from her dogs. @petinsurance101 says, “My dog, Sienna, taught me to live in the moment, smell the fresh air and enjoy the walk.” And @toasterbyte shares “From my dog, I’ve learned that running is a blessing, not a chore–and that every 2 hours, it’s time to take a break and go outside!” (Max would be so proud–all excellent maxims!)

@VegasRockDog credits her dog for teaching her “not to be scared of dogs–period. I was terrified before I got her.” (This reminds me of when I was a little girl. Apparently, I was also frightened by dogs and if I saw one-even if it was a block away and not looking at me-I would scream at the top of my lungs. Then one day, my dad came home with a little black cocker spaniel. At first, I looked at her warily from behind my mother’s skirt, but finally, I put my arms around her neck and said, “My dog.” I never screamed at the sight of another dog again.)

@Everwalking says she has learned “patience” from her dogs who when the day turns hectic, have to wait for their walks, but show love anyway”. However, she has also learned, “Being late in not a good thing!” (Confucius say, “Even police dog has to do his doody.”)

Dental hygiene for two and four-legged friends is on the mind of @TheGREENIESComp.
She warns, “Don’t let stinky pet breath come between you and your friend. Brush their teeth, and yours, to take life to the MAX!” (I appreciate the Life to the MAX tie-in!)

Some good advice for the holi-daze rush comes from @trohrs, “What I’ve learned from my dog: Give yourself some downtime after a big holiday PAWty!” (Shameless punning is its own reward!)

@NewportVet cautions you to be careful of what your dog eats around the holidays and any day for that matter, citing that “a doberman once swallowed an entire riding crop and a lab gulped a diaphragm.” (Now that’s a lesson in itself!)

The lessons learned from the dogs of @bnbak are that “a cuddle on the bed and a cookie are the best rewards. Also be nice to the basset; she can’t help how she looks at you.” ( It’s the crazy eye thing, isn’t it?)

Of course, our furkids also had to woof their own wisdom. From @HisRoyalDogness some useful advice for his canine counterparts: “If you bark too much, most people won’t be intimidated; they will just find you annoying.” (This is also true for people.)

In a Zen state, @gallantprince offered, “All I am is me!” (No doubt, he was doing downward dog!) Finally in true Life to the MAX fashion, he also recommendeded “Have a good time all the time and have a good sturdy leg to latch on to…” (Not so Zen, but very leader of the pack!)

I encourage you all to continue to tweet your lessons and maxims to us on #MaximMonday so that I may share more of them on this blog. Just when you think you know it all, there’s so much to learn–from your dog!