By Lori Fusaro

Animals are such uncomplicated creatures. They live by simple rules. They have a strict code for every situation in which they might find themselves: Love, parenthood, conflict and companionship are all covered in the animal kingdom handbook, straightforward and to the point. Not like humans. Our species seems to take the very simple task of living and turn it into something complex and confusing. If a cat is hungry, it eats. If it senses danger, it finds safety. When a dog is happy, it’s perfectly clear. Animals, by and large, have evolved to co-exist with other species, something which many humans still have not mastered. So what can we learn from the animals in our lives?

Respect. There is definitely a hierarchy in the animal world and it starts with respect. Sage Michael, of CA K9 Academy says, “Young dogs learn from the older, stronger dogs. They communicate in ways that show respect, even when disagreements arise. And when it’s time for a new leader, they may fight for it, but they fight fair.”

Live in the moment. The past is done. The future isn’t here yet. Today is all we have. Animals practice this principle every day. I am often plagued with worry about what’s to come. How simple life would be if I concentrated only on what was in front of me. I witness this in the rescue dogs I meet. Some come from the most horrific situations and yet, when they are offered a scratch behind the ear or are shown a little kindness, it’s as if they have always been in that safe and loving place. It never ceases to amaze me.

Keep your eyes open. Animals are experts at reading body language, those tiny signals that are like a magnifying glass into our inner emotions. Other animals can read my dog, Gabby, right away just by the way she holds her head or tail. Think about the misunderstandings one could avoid by just paying a little more attention.

Enjoy the simple pleasures. There is delight in everyday life: Eating a meal, kissing a loved one, going for a walk, listening to music, holding someone’s hand, watching the sunset, going for a ride - the list goes on. An animal’s daily life is full of small pleasures and they enjoy each and every one with full abandon. I just have to say, “Do you want…” and Gabby will start dancing around with the most blissful anticipation. She doesn’t even know what’s coming, but she knows whatever it is, it will be the best thing ever. Imagine the joy of truly savoring every little moment.

Author George Bird Evans said, “I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better. They fight for honor at the first challenge, make love with no moral restraint and they do not for all their marvelous instincts appear to know about death.” Seems to me like the perfect way to live. 

Lori Fusaro has been voted the best portrait photographer by FoxTV two years in a row. She lives in Culver City with her husband, four cats and dog. Contact: Lori@FusaroPhotography.com, FusaroPhotography.com.