Lessons From My Rescue Dog Gabby

My niece Alison posts about rescue dogs almost daily. One day, she shared a picture of a funny-looking, copper-colored dog. She had the face of a Brussels Griffon and the body of a Dachshund. A strange combination, but overwhelmingly cute.

That photo kept tugging at me. Something about her said, I’m your companion for the next chapter. I have always said God and the Universe always sent the right dog at the right time. I knew immediately she was mine.

Four hours later, my friend who runs Real Good Dog Rescue handed me that copper nugget in a parking lot. She was confused but sweet, and within minutes had charmed Alison completely. That was the day Gabby came home.

I thought I was the one doing the rescuing. Turns out, she’s been rescuing me all along, teaching me, every single day, how to live better, laugh more, and not take myself so seriously.

Here are a few of her best lessons.

1. Be Cautious in New Places

Gabby never rushes into anything unfamiliar. A new sidewalk gets sniffed from every angle. A neighbor’s front yard? She’ll pause, tilt her head, and double-check before stepping in.

Her wisdom is simple: new situations deserve time to unfold. Don’t barrel in headfirst. Whether it’s a new job, a new group of people, or even a new season of life, a little caution helps you find your footing.

2. Happiness Is a Rope Toy

Gabby would play fetch until the end of time. Rope, ball, her stuffed duck, it doesn’t matter. She’s delighted every single time I throw it, as if we’ve invented a brand-new game.

A little outdoor time, chasing your passion, and quality time with friends bring joy. Sometimes we overthink happiness. Gabby runs after it.

3. It Takes Time to Adjust

When Gabby first came home, everything was overwhelming: new walls, new people, new routines. She paced, circled, and gave me the “am I safe?” stare. It took weeks before she flopped down on the couch and claimed it as hers.

It was a good reminder for me: change always comes with an awkward adjustment period. We’re not supposed to feel settled right away. Comfort is something we grow into, gradually.

4. Food Is Pure Joy

Gabby treats every meal like a Michelin-starred experience. Breakfast makes her dance. Dinner makes her sprint. A stray Cheerio on the floor? A miracle worth celebrating.

Watching her has taught me to stop multitasking during my own meals. To slow down, taste my food, and actually enjoy it. Because sometimes, the everyday sandwich deserves as much joy as the fancy dinner out.

5. Never Meet a Stranger

Mail carriers, kids on bikes, delivery drivers, Gabby greets everyone as if they’re her long-lost best friend.

While I don’t plan on wagging my tail at strangers on walks, I admire her openheartedness. A smile, a hello, or even a kind word can be enough to turn a regular day into something better.

6. The Laptop Is the Enemy

Gabby is convinced my laptop is her biggest rival. The second I open it, she sighs loudly and plants her face on top of it. If she could, she’d file a petition to have all keyboards banned.

Her point is clear: the people (and pets) who love you are more important than the endless to-do list. When work threatens to consume your evening, remember emails can wait. Rope-throwing cannot.

Final Thoughts

I may have rescued Gabby, but she’s the one doing the rescuing every day. She’s taught me to approach the unknown with caution, find joy in simple pleasures, be patient with change, savor every meal, welcome connection, and shut the laptop when it’s time to play.

Gabby doesn’t care about deadlines, grocery lists, or messy houses. She cares about showing up, tail wagging, heart wide open, and honestly, that might be the best lesson of all. Now time to get off the laptop and play fetch with my odd-looking, copper colored best friend.