Jax, our little Chorkie, loves nothing more than stretching out on my office floor in the pool of sunshine that pours through the door every afternoon. But after a week of nothing but cloudy skies and rain, he’s been wandering around with what I imagine is a puzzled expression. Okay, maybe he doesn’t actually look puzzled—but there’s no doubt he’s been a little restless during his usual sunbathing time.

The other day, though, something funny happened.

My husband keeps a small space heater in his office. As Jax trotted through the room, he paused mid-step when the warmth brushed against him. Wait—what’s this? This feels like the sun! He did a double-take, then plopped himself down right in front of the heater, letting the heat wrap around him. He tilted his head left, then right—maybe to keep the warmth from blowing directly in his eyes—but he stayed there, perfectly content, soaking it all in.

Dogs have a knack for finding joy in the simplest things—a warm spot, a soft bed, a treat (or three). It doesn’t take much to make their day. Watching Jax sit there, fully present and enjoying the warmth, made me realize how often I rush past life’s little comforts without a second thought. He wasn’t worrying about what came next. He didn’t have a to-do list to tackle. He was just there—enjoying the moment. And maybe that’s a lesson I need to take to heart.

With more storms on the horizon, Jax now has his very own heater in my office, right where the sun usually streams through the glass door.

Is he a little spoiled? Probably. But he’s worth it.