A Husky's Instructions For Life

This is Novo (No-Voh).

I know, I know… he has a pig nose.

Novo is 9 months old and possibly the only child that I will ever allow myself to have...ever. I love this kid to death, but MAN can he be difficult. I like to think that I’m in charge when it comes to our relationship, but you better believe, when given the chance, he vehemently objects.

Novo has been in my life for 6 months and 9 days now, and I can assure you, he was much cuter 6 months and 9 days ago! Together, we have conquered the art of not peeing, pooping, or vomiting indoors (mostly, I still slip up every now and then), survived the torturous weather conditions of summer in Moab, UT (barely), physically duelled over the unyielding love of the same woman (still not sure who won that battle), tirelessly traveled 20 hours and 42 longgg min from CO to WA, and ultimately discovered that life is pretty simple.

Too often, people have a tendency of complicating first principle statements with assumptions, belief systems, or further contemplative thoughts. For the past 6 months and 9 days, I have yet to see Novo intentionally complicate his reality. Unfortunately, no matter how advanced we believe we have become, humans repeatedly fail at not intentionally complicating our own realities.

Are you looking for instructions to end the complications?

Novo is happy to help!

1. Speak your truth, even when it bothers those around you

2. Live life playfully, and when everyone else is tired, convince them to play some more!

3. Appreciate security, but do not be afraid to stick your nose in the strange smelling unknown

4. If someone is willing to shower you with attention, jump on them and lick their face. They deserve love too!

5. Embrace your meals with reckless abandon. Who knows when the next one will appear

6. Listen very carefully when people are yelling at you, or don’t. It really just depends on who is doing the yelling

7. Learning new things is hard. The process is always better with treats!

8. Never forget, no matter how fancy the toy, a stick will always bring the most pleasure

9. Why should you have to lay on the floor when the bed is big enough for everyone? Know your worth!

10. If someone tells you “NO!” make them prove they mean it

11. No matter how they object, it is your personal obligation to prevent your family from becoming overly materialistic by destroying something they own from time to time

12. When others are engrossed by technology, scratch their feet to snap them out of it. Eventually, they will thank you!

13. Sometimes life requires us to get our paws a little dirty for those we love. Other times, there is simply no better way to express yourself!

14. A treat before bed is required, not optional!

Photo Credits:

1-3 Marquize Fells