Sometimes that thing you're eating really is the best thing in the whole world.

You just can't get away from ads telling you that you could be thinner, better and happier if you'd just ignore your natural craving for tasty delights. As I type this, I'm watching my dog Dexter lovingly nibble on a yummy dog treat, and I don't believe I've ever seen him happier. Why can't we just enjoy what we eat, without feeling guilty all the time?

Fun is worth it, for its own sake.

I always feel bad about taking some time to goof off. When I do steal away, I justify it by thinking that it will help me focus on more important things later. But you know what? What's the point of life if it's only to be more productive? Sometimes fun should be had just because it's what makes life worth it. There's a reason why grown up dogs still love playing with dog toys.

Don't worry about what other people think. Really.

When was the last time you saw a dog worrying about what another dog thinks about him? Your dog knows exactly who he or she is, and isn't concerned with pretending to be something else. And even though dog clothes are super-cute, your dog spends much of life completely naked, and doesn't give a darn. How's that for confidence?

A nap is sometimes the best course of action.

And now Dexter has fallen fast asleep in his dog bed, while I'm sitting here working. I worked until late last night, and was back in the office waaaaaay too early. Could it be we've gotten too far from what our bodies naturally tell us? That maybe when you're tired, you should just take a nap?

Love should be unconditional.

Did I mention that I worked late last night? Josh and I went and finished work at a local restaurant with free WiFi, and Dexter had to wait in the car for awhile. I felt guilty the whole time, and could see Dexter in the back window of my car, constantly alert, waiting for me to return. And when I got back? He was just thrilled to see me. No guilt trip. Just happy. Someday I hope to be able to love that way.

There's nothing wrong with enthusiasm.

As a parent of several small children, I spend a good chunk of my time trying to get my kids (and dogs) to settle down. (And hey, they can't be crazy ALL the time). But think about it. The world's definitely not short of boring, well behaved-ness. You know what's in short supply? Breathless, giddy enthusiasm.

Sloppy kisses are good for a lot of things.

Next time you get in an argument with your significant other, take a cue from your dog. Just plant a big sloppy kiss on your loved one. Seriously. How can anyone argue with that?

People ask why we "spoil" our pets.
The answer? Because they spoil us every day with a better way to look at life.