Life Lessons from a Dog: A Lesson in Patience

Kirk Williams has always lived an active lifestyle. So when he fractured his spinal cord in a mountain bike crash, it wasn’t about if he’d return to a life of outdoor adventures but how to do it. As a quadriplegic, Kirk has relearned how to live an active life, which has involved learning to be patient with himself and his progress. Kirk’s dog Maddox has been by his side every step of the way—both as a loyal companion for life on the road and as a teacher who reminds Kirk to slow down, be patient, and appreciate every moment. Watch the video and keep reading to see how Maddox and Kirk support each other through life and the lessons Maddox has taught Kirk along the way.

Lesson #1: Love Where You Are

Most dogs love being where their humans are. That’s definitely the case for Maddox. He’s happiest with Kirk, which means that everywhere Kirk goes, Maddox goes too. In the mornings the pair will head out for a bike ride on the dirt roads near their house and then come back home for breakfast before figuring out what the rest of the day will look like. Maddox loves running errands, like going to the hardware store, and never passes up a chance to swim in the neighborhood pond, go camping, or hang out at breweries. Since he goes everywhere with Kirk, and he loves being with Kirk, he also loves all the places they go—whether they’re doing chores or playing outside. That’s a great lesson because we can’t always control our surroundings, but we can always control how we feel about them. “I love that he’s always happy to see me. I even love that there’s hair everywhere. I just love everything about having a dog.” To fuel all of their daily adventures, Kirk has fed Maddox Hill’s Science Diet for many years.

Lesson #2: Be Patient With Yourself and Others

Maddox used to bark at every dog he saw. He didn’t like dogs crossing in front of him on the bike path and he was wary of strangers. Kirk found that the best way through these situations was to stop and reassure Maddox. Over time, Kirk learned Maddox’s triggers, and Maddox learned to trust Kirk and let his guard down. “He’s taught me a lot about just slowing down and not pushing too far beyond our comfort zone,” says Kirk. “You still want to grow as a human and a dog, but not if it’s so severely uncomfortable that it ends up being counterproductive.”

Lesson #3: Slow Down

Through his injury, and his relationship with Maddox, Kirk has learned to move at his own pace and be okay with slowing things down. Kirk can’t grab a cup of coffee to go and use his wheelchair at the same time, which means he sits at the coffee shop until he finishes his cup. “That used to irk me,” he says. But while sitting there sipping his coffee, he often sees people rushing in and out while doing multiple things at once. “I’m actually kind of the lucky one that just gets to sit and take it all in and relax. It’s okay to slow down on the trail, or in life, and just enjoy the moment as opposed to always being like, ‘What’s next?’”

Lesson #4: Life Is Better When Shared

Dogs have the power to make everything just a little bit better. Having a constant loving, happy, and adoring presence makes Kirk’s solo road trips feel far from lonely. “I can’t imagine life without him,” he says. “Through raising him as a puppy, and through the challenges, we’ve grown incredibly close. I feel like we both understand and know each other inside and out.”

Founded 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to science-led pet nutrition, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is on a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill’s is dedicated to pioneering research for dogs and cats using a scientific understanding of their specific needs. As a leading veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health. Hill’s Prescription Diet therapeutic nutrition plus our everyday wellness product line, Hill’s Science Diet, are sold at vet clinics and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about our products and nutritional philosophy, visit HillsPet.com.