While
yesterday was Valentine Day, we all celebrated it in one way or another or we
heard about it if we forgot.
The
day is special, and this year, I thought ahead and purchased a present AND
card, something that slipped up on me once I have had to talk my way out of it s when
I received MY gift... oops...
John Grogan said;
“Such
short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it
waiting for us to come home each day. It
is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how
much closer we become with each other because of them.” Families grow together when a dog is in the
middle and at the very least, you talk more, even if it’s about the dog.
They
give so much to us and while it’s not hard to make them happy, it shows from
the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail.
Something as simple as a walk in the park or to chase a squirrel is the
best of times and they soak in every moment as if it was their last, enjoying
every minute and every breath and when it’s time to rest, they do it without any
guilt or concern and sleep a sleep that anyone would be jealous of. If only I could sleep one night like they do…
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| Heidi, sound asleep... |
“No
matter how close we are to another person, few human relationships are as free
from strife, disagreement, and frustration as is the relationship you have with
a good dog. Few human beings give of themselves to another as a dog gives of
itself. I also suspect that we cherish dogs because their unblemished souls
make us wish - consciously or unconsciously - that we were as innocent as they
are, and make us yearn for a place where innocence is universal and where the
meanness, the betrayals, and the cruelties of this world are unknown.”
―
Dean Koontz, A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog
But
when we love our dog, do they really love us?
They have long been known as man’s best friend: loyal companions that
adore their owners, but it’s not just an act to make sure they get fed – dogs
really are capable of love, research has shown.
Scientists
at the Claremont Graduate University in California found that domesticated dogs
release oxytocin in intimate situations, The Atlantic reported, known as the
“love hormone”, it is the same chemical used to create close bonds between
humans. “We
found that the dog had a 48 per cent increase in oxytocin. Professor Paul Zak added: “The only time I have seen such a surge in
oxytocin in humans is when someone sees their loved one, is romantically
attracted to someone, or is shown an enormous kindness.”
“The dog is the most faithful of animals and would be much esteemed were it not so common. Our Lord God has made His greatest gifts the commonest.”
―
Martin Luther
So the next time you pet, kiss or stroke your dog, know that in their heart, they really love you too. Just a night ago, Meggie sat by my recliner as I watched a game on TV. She would raise her paw and stroke my leg wanting something. “Do you want to go out? Do you want to eat?”
When nothing happened, I moved the pillow from my lap and Meggie jumped in and nestled down to sleep, she knew what she wanted, to love and be loved...
