For the Love of Dog

16 November 2012

There is something to the love of a dog.
I was watching a homeless man sitting under a highway overpass with his dog the other day at a red light, and got a little choked up. The dog was lying on his side with his head draped over the man's lap, and the man's hand was resting on the dog's shoulder. At one point, the dog raised up his head and licked the man's elbow and he scrubbed the dog's head affectionately. Here is this man who hasn't showered in who knows how long, he's living under a bridge, and the dog thinks he hung the moon.
A dog doesn't know how much you make, what tag is sewn into the collar of your shirt, how many friends you have, or if you haven't been on a date in 6 months. They don't care that maybe you aren't the most popular or very funny. They could give two shakes whether or not you have a great singing voice, sweet dance moves or have the perfectly accessorized home. In fact, they usually revel in the moments when we smell a little ripe or need to burn off some stress and vent. To them, you smell extra tasty and you're talking to them. No questions asked.
There is something to having this living, breathing thing in your home that looks to you for all the answers, without ever trying to correct you, change you or fix you. They know you keep them fed, keep them warm and keep them company. In return, they protect and love you unconditionally. They wait patiently until you arrive home from work, they keep guard while you shower and they eagerly anticipate the moment when you return from slumber with a yawn chock full of morning breath. My dogs are the one thing in my life that I know will never judge, reject or mistreat me. I can tell them my deepest secrets and they'll never tell, they're the only ones who appreciate when I spill food and don't mind sitting in traffic with the windows down.
This is my "What did you hear?" face.
Sometimes I wonder what the world would be if people treated each other more like our dogs treat us. We would accept our differences, live in the moment, love hard and forget quickly. Granted, we'd also sniff each other's butts in greeting, eat shoes for breakfast and drive with our heads out the windows. Even then, I think the tradeoff would be a positive one.
Dogs are more than just pets or animals. They're companions. They're protectors. They're souls. They may leave scratch marks on the hardwoods, nose prints on the windows or the occasional present on the carpet, but they also leave a lasting mark on our hearts.

14 comments:

  1. Aww this is such a sweet post! Your dogs are adorable. My dogs have brought so much happiness to my life. It is so true about their unconditional love. Even when they've done something naughty and you yell at them, they'll be giving you kisses 5 minutes later. If only all relationships could be like this!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  2. Great post, cute dogs!

    Lauren,
    Laurensbeautydepartment.blogspot.com
    xx

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  3. I love dogs, actually I have one :)
    great post! big kiss

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  4. love this! My dog is for sure my bestie ;)

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  5. This brought tears to my eyes. I love my dogs so much and I agree with all this. Humans need to treat humans better.

    www.domesticatedworkingwoman.blogspot.com

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  6. Ah, I love this it gave me chills. You can't really explain the love for a dog. I don't know what this world would be like without them.

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  7. have you read the Dog Commandments? You'd love it! Just google it. Ernie is the one guy who will always listen (okay not ALWAYS) but give me unconditional love

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  8. I love, love, love this post! I actually printed off a hard copy to save! I can't tell you how many times I've thought the same things...there are so many lessons that we could learn from our dogs! Thanks for sharing!

    Tweed and Toile

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  9. so true !!!!! love my companion or my son !!!!:D

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  10. Oh, I love this! My pups are my family. I love them dearly. They also love me no matter what... if I'm grumpy, had a bad day, whatever... they don't care... they'll lick my face and make me laugh just the same. :)

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  11. Oh, my... i love this post! And I agree with everything you've wrote! Especially the last paragraph! I grew up surrounded with dogs, lost my dog last year and haven't own another for a while now. My dogs help me through my toughest times, i'm forever grateful for them. But now that I live separately from my parents in a small rent, I'm not allowed to have pets... I wish I could have a dog by my side, it'll be less lonely at times.

    Anyway, really love this post! Will be waiting for another great one! and your dogs are soooo cute!!!!

    xo

    http://chrisyasabaru.blogspot.com

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  12. what a lovely post..yes dogs are such loving creatures, though i never had a dog myself..but my cousins had and what a awesome time i had with them :)

    http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.in/

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  13. Oooh what cutiesssss! Great pictures :)

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  14. Your dogs are such cuties! I loved this post, I feel the same way about my pup. Have you read the "10 Promises to My Dog"? I'm going to post them below because they make my heart swell :) Have a good week, Brittany!

    1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Regular separation from you will be painful and can even cause depression. Think before you buy me.

    2. Give me time to understand what you want from me don’t be impatient, short-tempered or irritable.

    3. Place your trust in me and I will always trust you back, respect is earned not given as some sort of inalienable right.

    4. Don’t be angry with me for long, and don’t lock me up as punishment. I am not capable of understanding why I am being locked up. I only know I have been rejected. You have your work, entertainment and friends. I only have you.

    5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your tone. “You only have to look at my tail” to know that.

    6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget, if that treatment is unjust or bad, it may spoil the special bond between us.

    7. Please do not hit me. I cannot hit back, but I can bite and scratch and I don’t ever want to feel the need to do that.

    8. Before you tell me off me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be wrong with me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food or I’ve been out in the sun too long, maybe my heart is getting old and weak, or maybe I’m just dog-tired.

    9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old and will also want care, love, and affection.

    10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I can’t bear to watch” or “Let it happen in my absence”. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, Irrespective of what you do I will always love you.

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