How Dogs teach us love, even through the Loss of one...

This past weekend I was exiting Sunday Mass, when someone stopped my parents and me, to share the sad newss about the passing of "Buddy" her lab mix. "

"Buddy" was 13 years old. He was the best companion, and watch dog... "

she went on with loving adjectives, qualities, touching memories , and someone interjected,

"They are like Children."

She looked at nodded and said, "Yes. The love that they give, everyday. It is so hard when they go."

I could write about Buddy, and my own spirited pup- (Madelyn ), but many dogs and pups are the similar. Everyone loves to talk about their dog... (insert name). So what is it about them that we humans can't resist?

Puppies are vulnerable :

Puppies need love and nurture from the start of there lives. When we bring a puppy home, we immediately tend to it as if it is our own infant or new born! They need the love and care of a new parent. It doesn't take much time until the puppy thinks you are his mother.

Ever notice that the deepest relationships demand the ability to allow yourself to be vulnerable? We can be vulnerable with a pet, but we can't always with another. Vulnerability is intimacy.

They are playful: They are playful and love a good tummy rub. (who wouldn't!) They immediately take to a ball, stick, and or an old toy, and want to play catch. They keep you active, which gives off endorphins. Endorphins keep you happy! What a better way to create a beautiful companionship then with one who lifts the heart rate with joy and laughter.

Dogs never count your wrongs:

How many times have you postponed a park visit, or scolded them when they ate your favorite shoes, or had an accident in the white room, with white curtains and couches..? No matter what, your pup will want to look for you and show you love. In good times and bad, and in its fullest capacity that its heart can show!

Maybe this is why there are so many posts on social media that get people in an uproar when there is an abused pet. I have seen more reaction for pets and animals, then fellow people in general. And, ironically, many angry political posters, will demand damnation for someone who is on the opposite political spectrum. Post about your hatred on Pro-lifers, but then demand imprisonment for someone who abused a dog. This happens.

Later that day, my father was thinking about our grieving friend, as he was sitting with his own grand-dog. (Yes grand-DOG, Madalyn, ..she is one of many) He said,

"I think I know why we grieve so much for our dogs. It is because they love so unconditionally in life. Everyday. They give love to you no matter what you do. And in turn we actually do the same to them! Dogs can soften our hearts, and give us hope, and life. You can take away all there possessions. And All they need is nurture and love, and they will grow to love. And when they go, and the house is empty, and the loving energy that they gave to greet you is gone. The light goes out and it puts you in a feeling of darkness. "

Wow. If we can all love like the Dog! Turn that Around. If we can all Love like G-O-D...