10 Things I’ve Learned from Mak the Shih Tzu
A Small Dog with Big Lessons on Life, Love, and Living Fully
When you bring a Shih Tzu into your life, you’re not just getting a pet—you’re gaining a wise, wiggly, four-legged teacher who shows you how to slow down, love better, and enjoy life more fully. Mak, my sweet and sassy Shih Tzu, has taught me more than I ever imagined. He’s a little dog with a big heart—and over time, he’s become my daily reminder of what truly matters.
Here are 10 lessons I’ve learned from Mak—lessons that are simple, honest, and surprisingly profound.
1. Love Doesn’t Need Words
Mak can’t speak, but he tells me he loves me every day—with his eyes, his tail wags, his nuzzles, and the way he follows me from room to room. His loyalty is silent, steady, and full of warmth. From him, I’ve learned that love isn’t always loud—it’s consistent. Sometimes, just being there says more than words ever could.
2. Live in the Moment
Mak doesn’t worry about tomorrow. He doesn’t replay yesterday. He wakes up each morning excited about breakfast, sunshine, and maybe a squeaky toy. He fully immerses himself in every walk, every treat, every nap.
Watching him has reminded me to slow down, breathe, and enjoy right now. Whether it’s a cuddle on the couch or a walk under the trees, the moment we’re in is the only one that matters.
3. Joy Can Be Found in the Smallest Things
To Mak, joy is everywhere: a leaf blowing in the wind, a soft blanket, a new smell on the sidewalk. He celebrates everything, no matter how small.
It’s easy to overlook life’s little gifts—but Mak notices them all. He’s taught me to appreciate warm socks, gentle breezes, and the way the house smells after baking. Life is filled with tiny joys, if you learn to see them.
4. Trust Your Instincts (and Your People)
Mak is a naturally cautious but curious little guy. He doesn’t jump into every situation—but when he trusts someone, he does it wholeheartedly. He’s taught me to be thoughtful with who I trust, but once I do, to love them completely.
He’s also taught me to trust my own instincts more. Dogs don’t overthink everything—they feel their way through the world. Sometimes, that’s the smartest way to live.
5. Rest Is Not Laziness—It’s Self-Care
Mak naps like it’s his job. He has no guilt about resting. He doesn’t feel lazy for taking a break. When he’s tired, he sleeps. When he’s full, he stops eating. When he’s overwhelmed, he finds a quiet spot.
From him, I’ve learned to honor my own needs. It’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to slow down. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival.
6. Show Up Fully for the People You Love
Every time I walk through the door, Mak greets me like I’m his whole world. It doesn’t matter if I’ve been gone for 5 minutes or 5 hours—he makes me feel like the most important person on the planet.
Mak has taught me that showing up for people doesn’t have to be grand or dramatic. A warm welcome, undivided attention, and a little enthusiasm go a long way.
7. Be Yourself—Flaws and All
Mak has quirks. He snores loudly. He hates rain. He’s weirdly obsessed with chasing the vacuum (and then hiding from it). But he makes no apologies. He’s unapologetically, perfectly himself.
His confidence in being exactly who he is—flaws, fluff, and all—has inspired me to accept my own weirdness, to stop hiding what makes me different, and to embrace what makes me me.
8. Be Loyal, but Also Forgiving
Mak is incredibly loyal—but even when I accidentally step on his paw or forget to refill his water bowl right away, he doesn’t hold it against me. He sulks a little, sure—but minutes later, he’s back by my side.
He’s taught me that relationships aren’t about perfection—they’re about trust, forgiveness, and returning to love after the bumps. Being loyal doesn’t mean never being hurt. It means always choosing to come back together.
9. Patience Is a Superpower
Waiting for a treat. Waiting for the door to open. Waiting for me to finish a Zoom meeting so we can play. Mak waits. Quietly. Patiently. (Well, mostly.)
In a world that rushes everything, Mak has taught me that waiting isn’t wasted time. There’s peace in patience—and sometimes, the best things really are worth waiting for.
10. Life Is Better When You Let Yourself Be Loved
Perhaps the greatest thing I’ve learned from Mak is this: Let yourself be loved. Fully, freely, and without fear.
Mak doesn’t resist affection. He leans into it. He soaks up hugs and belly rubs like they’re his birthright. And in doing so, he teaches me that love is meant to be received, not just given.
Too often, we guard ourselves. We hold back. But Mak reminds me to open my heart—to give and receive love with no hesitation.
Final Thoughts: A Tiny Dog, A Huge Impact
Mak might be small, but his impact is enormous. His daily presence is a lesson in mindfulness, compassion, confidence, and joy. He has no idea he’s teaching me all of this—he’s just living his life. But in doing so, he’s shaped mine.
Sometimes, the best teachers don’t stand at a podium—they wag their tails and follow you into every room. Mak has taught me how to love better, live softer, and appreciate more.
And for that, I’ll be forever grateful.
What has your Shih Tzu taught you?
Share your own lessons, stories, or favorite moments with your furry friend in the comments.
