Life Lessons from My Beagle Baby, Remy

Life Lessons from My Beagle Baby, Remy

By Rachel Travis

They say wisdom comes from the most unexpected places, and in my life, one of my greatest teachers has a wagging tail, floppy ears, and a nose always on high alert. Meet Remy, my four-year-old beagle, whose zest for life and boundless curiosity have taught me more about living than any motivational video you can find on Youtube. Remy’s lessons aren’t complex, but they’re profound, and every adventure with him reminds me of truths I sometimes forget as an adult.

Lesson #1: Sniff Out Every Adventure

To say Remy loves an adventure is an understatement. This fearless little goober doesn’t just walk—he frolics, nose to the ground, tail wagging, ready for whatever the world has in store. He’s constantly exploring, even when he doesn’t know what lies beyond the next bend. The unknown isn’t a source of fear; it’s an invitation to experience something new, and he’s ready to dive in without hesitation.

In a world that often urges us to stay in our comfort zones, Remy’s relentless curiosity inspires me to be more daring. Life will always have its unknowns, but when we greet them with excitement rather than anxiety, we open ourselves to beautiful possibilities. Like Remy, maybe we should all try a little frolicking into the unknown, just to see what we might discover.

Lesson #2: The Importance of Rest (Even for the Fearless)

For all his daring, Remy knows when to slow down. After a long day of sniffing and exploring, he’ll curl up in the most comfortable spot he can find and surrender to rest without a second thought. It’s instinctive for him: play hard, rest hard.

There was a time when I ignored rest, thinking I could push through on pure willpower alone. I adopted the “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” mentality, believing I could skip sleep and power through. But looking back, I see how those sleepless nights wore down my body’s natural defenses, opening me up to stress and eventually illness. I learned the hard way that without rest, the body can’t repair, the mind can’t recharge, and even the soul feels depleted.

Remy’s approach to rest is a reminder that we need to honor our bodies and the rhythms they naturally follow. There’s wisdom in pausing, in recharging, in giving our systems the chance to restore. It’s only with this foundation that we can approach life’s adventures with energy and resilience. And maybe, just maybe, the clumsiness we feel at times is our body’s way of saying, “Hey, let’s take a break before we dive back in.”

Lesson #3: Embrace the Present (Even if You’re a Little Clumsy)

I’ll admit it: I can be a bit clumsy. If I’m not fully present, I’ve been known to trip over my own feet or miss a step. But Remy? He’s always fully in the moment. Whether he’s investigating a patch of grass or tracking down a scent trail, he’s all in, fully engaged with whatever has his attention.

Watching Remy’s focus reminds me that being present is essential—not just for balance, but for joy. When we’re caught up in our thoughts, we miss out on the beauty around us and are more prone to stumbles, both literally and figuratively. But when we ground ourselves in the present, even the simplest moments become rich with meaning. And for those of us who have a habit of bumping into things, staying present can be a lifesaver!

Lesson #4: Love Without Hesitation

Remy’s love is boundless, unguarded, and without conditions. He doesn’t overthink or hold back; he simply loves with his whole heart. If there’s one thing Remy does with absolute perfection, it’s showing that love doesn’t have to be earned or rationed. It’s meant to be given freely, in moments big and small.

From him, I’ve learned that loving without hesitation doesn’t make us vulnerable; it makes us powerful. It allows us to connect deeply, to build bonds, and to find meaning in simply being with others. We all have the capacity to love like Remy—fearlessly, generously, and without strings attached.

The Moral of the Story: Living the “Beagle Way”

Remy’s approach to life may look simple, but there’s wisdom woven into every sniff, every nap, and every wag of his tail. His way of being has taught me valuable lessons about how to navigate this journey of life with joy, curiosity, and love. The moral of the story? Maybe life is best lived the “Beagle Way”:

• Sniff Out Every Adventure: Curiosity isn’t just for the young or the brave—it’s for anyone willing to embrace the unknown with an open heart. Life’s adventures are waiting, if we just have the courage to explore.
• Rest Without Guilt: Our bodies need rest to recharge and heal, so we can bring our best selves to each new day. Don’t skip over the importance of rest. Embrace it, honor it, and recognize it as a key part of the journey.
• Be Present (and Watch Your Step!): When we’re fully here, we’re less likely to stumble. Life is meant to be experienced in the now, not rushed through. Take each moment as it comes, and keep your focus on the path in front of you.
• Love Freely and Fully: The heart has an endless capacity for love, so why hold back? Whether it’s the people around us or a loyal companion by our side, love generously and without hesitation.

In the end, Remy’s way of living is a reminder to stay open, find joy in the little things, and nurture what matters most. The “Beagle Way” might just be the key to a life filled with meaning, adventure, and a lot of love.