What Animals Teach Us

We tend to think that human beings are different from animals, and we believe that we are responsible for teaching them. But it’s actually the opposite! The lessons that we can learn from pets and other animals are very valuable.

If you have a dog or a cat at home, it might be easier to understand the things they can teach you. However, in the animal kingdom, there are many hidden lessons. Do you want to know what they are? Cows, hamsters, geese, and salmon are just a few of the teachers that are featured in this article.

The company of dogs

Dogs are the animals that are closest to us, and we can benefit a lot from their attitudes and way of life. After all, there’s a reason they’re called “man’s best friend.”

First of all, dogs teach us about loyalty and companionship. Most dogs won’t separate from their owners for even an instant. For them, there’s only one master, and they will follow him or her day and night. Even if the person doesn’t pay that much attention to them. You probably experience this when you come home and your best friend is waiting behind the door, wagging its tail.

Once you get a dog, you’ll never be alone. They’ll always be there for you, no matter if they’re tired, no matter the hour. If you stay up late studying or working, they’ll be running circles around your feet. If you’re sick, they’ll lay by your side in bed. If you’re watching TV, they’ll sleep at your feet.

Dogs are also able to understand what’s happening to you without needing to use words. So the next time someone in your family or circle of friends feels depressed, tired, or overwhelmed, offer them your company, the way your dog does with you. That support might be just what they need.

The wisdom of geese

If you want some wisdom about working in a team, pay attention to the system that geese use as they fly in flocks until they reach their destination. To start, they fly in a “V” shape to reduce wind resistance so that they can go farther with less effort.

When a goose leaves their place in the formation, they immediately return to the group because they realize that they can’t fly alone. The goose in front is the first one to get tired because they receive all the wind head on, but they’re also the one in charge of guiding the others. The moment they lose strength, they move to the back, and the second one takes their place. They never argue or make excuses, they simply follow the established order.

The geese in the back let out sounds while they fly to encourage the ones in front of them. If one of them gets sick or injured, they put it between two friends until they’re in a safe place, wait for it to recover or die, and then return to their formation.

Geese teach us the importance of helping the people around us, whether they’re family, friends, or coworkers. A strong support network helps us to move forward together and to make bigger strides.

The excitement of cows

Your brain often tells you “enough” when you’re trying to learn or read something. However, once you overcome that obstacle and gain new knowledge, you’ll experience a beautiful sensation that scientists refer to as the “reward system.” It’s the process of savoring the accomplishment once you’ve achieved it.

In the case of cows, it’s been proven that they get excited when they achieve something. When they improve some task or do something new, their heart rate increases and their movements become more rapid. It’s as if, when they complete something difficult, they say to themselves, “Eureka, I’ve done it!”

Therefore, we can use cows as an example and get excited every time we achieve something. Winning a victory after a difficult battle or achieving a goal deserves a celebration and recognition of our efforts.

The friendship of sheep and dolphins

If you thought your relationship with your best friend was the strongest in the world, it’s because you don’t know how sheep and dolphins live!

Sheep and dolphins have a great sense of friendship, which they constantly demonstrate. They’re even prepared to suffer or die for a friend. In daily activities, they don’t let others become tired or hurt while they work, they give each other food, and they protect each other from predators and danger.

Some animal friends stay together for many years. Marine mammals are a good example of unquestioning friendship (which is why the dolphin is used as a symbol of true friendship). And here’s a striking fact: humpback whales reunite with their friends when the summer begins!

The altruism of chimpanzees

You probably know the famous and incredible story of Tarzan, the baby who was rescued by an ape when it found him in his cradle after his parents were killed in the jungle.

This fictional story has some truth to it. Primates have a great capacity for altruism, or giving no matter who or what it is. For example, they can help a scared friend, raise a baby whose mother has died, stay by the side of a wounded friend, and even show compassion for those who suffer or are about to die.

What animals tell us

To wrap up, pay attention to these motivational phrases that these animals would tell you if you could understand their language or if they could speak English. This will help you to grow both personally and socially.

• “Don’t give up easily.” – Salmon
• “Exercise daily.” – Hamsters
• “Take more naps.” – Sats
• “Work hard.” – Ants
• “Don’t judge or discriminate.” – Dogs
• “Take care of your children until they can fend for themselves.” – Birds

Images courtesy of Virginia Monteverde