Lessons from Leo VI
My sweet, quirky fox-colored lab Leo turned six last week, which means it’s time for my annual report on the wisdom he’s been dispensing.
The lessons I learn from Leo feel extra important to me because he embodies so many of the qualities that made my father extraordinary. Like my dad, Leo radiates love, is jubilantly joyful, and has zero interest in pretending to be anything other than his one-of-a-kind self.
6-year-old Leo (front) with his older brother Henry (photo by Julia Roberts)
So here we go—three lessons from Leo that are helping me live with more freedom, presence, and joy:
1—Give the gift of your undivided attention.
Leo is a roamer. While our older dog Henry reliably chooses human company, Leo drifts from one room to another throughout the day with no discernable pattern. He particularly likes to fully stretch out alone on one of the three king-size beds in our house. Although I’d love Leo to stay beside me, he’s a mobile free spirit with a mind of his own.
But earlier this year I made an important discovery: Leo will never leave my side whenever I’m giving him my undivided attention. When I’m 100% present while petting him, he’ll always stay with me, fully engaged. But as soon as my mind wanders—lured away by the thoughts in my head or an iPhone in my hand—Leo immediately wanders off as well.
As someone with a busy, easily distractible mind, my blissful Leo snuggle time has become the best mindfulness training I could ask for. Getting more familiar with the joy that comes with complete presence, our “petting meditations” are teaching me to extend that same wholehearted presence to Henry and the humans I love. It’s a reminder to be more like my father, who always gave everyone he encountered the beautiful gift of his full attention.
Puppy Leo sleeping with his big brother, Henry
2—Don’t forget to roll in the grass.
My farm walks with Leo and Henry always pass through our back lawn. On our way out, Leo is focused on running free, but every time we return to the house, he holds up our procession to revel in a roll on the grass. Lying on his back with a huge smile on his face while rotating rapidly from side to side, Leo emanates immense glee. Sometimes he even inspires Henry to join in the fun.
As someone who tends to be overly focused on accomplishing the many items on my long to-do list, Leo reminds me that true success includes plenty of room for play, joy, and relaxation. When I follow Leo’s lead and sprawl on the grass simply for the pleasure of it, my inner child beams. On the grass with Leo, I remember that play is not an interruption, but one of the simple delights that make life so much sweeter.
(Photo by Julia Roberts)
3—Stop trying to predict the future.
When I broke my shoulder earlier this year while walking our dogs, my son encouraged me to start using metal prong collars for more control. I was sure Henry and Leo would hate them, and I felt much dread in anticipation of this change.
But the strangest thing happened: Leo loves his new collar! Whenever it’s time for a walk, he trots over, tail wagging, and then happily bows his like he’s receiving a medal of honor. After I clip the collar on, I plant a bunch of kisses on his fox-colored crown, and we smile at each other before heading out. It’s become our sweetest ritual, and I never saw it coming.
This surprise cracked open something bigger in me. How often do I brace for disaster only to find reality is softer, sweeter, or entirely different than expected? Leo is teaching me to loosen my belief in my predictions, step into situations with fewer assumptions, and welcome whatever unfolds with lightness and curiosity. There’s freedom in expecting the unexpected—in meeting each moment with openness instead of armor.
Happy 6th Birthday Leo!
Thank you for all the life lessons. We love you!!!
