Dogs. “Misty, Nigel, Bristol, Scottie, or Mona”. Whatever their name, dog lovers cannot imagine life without their “best friend”. According to the latest census, there are almost 50 million households with a canine companion sharing their home.
The dog is just as excited and thrilled to see us again, whether we are away for an hour or a day. “Fido’s” love and
dedication to us never wavers. The dog’s love for its master is truly unconditional. Bank accounts, hood ornaments, designer labels, job titles, bad hair, a few extra pounds, gym bodies; they mean nothing to him. In general, dogs are far less maintenance than most people. Acquaintances come and go, boyfriends break our hearts, but our dogs never disappoint us. Dog spells God backwards. No matter what kind of day we’ve had, our cares seem to melt away the moment our beloved friend greets us at the door with honest, enthusiastic joy. A dog’s priceless gifts of love, loyalty and devotion are rare constants in an ever changing and unpredictable world.
Dogs are infinitely more than a tail wagging, tongue hanging, furry creature that welcomes us home like a candle in the window. They are family in every sense of the word. Dogs “know” more about us than we do them. I believe that may be due to their ability at and their willingness to practice the rapidly disappearing art of “listening” to us, even if we haven’t uttered a word. They have an uncanny telepathy, knowing when we are sad or happy. They pay attention. Loneliness is far less likely having a dog. Unlike many humans, they give us our space when we need it and quietly snuggle up to us, showing their love, without having to ask for it during those times we need to be comforted and someone to “talk” to. Medical studies have shown our blood pressure falls just by touching a dog, and people who share their lives with them tend to live longer. Other studies have shown sharing your life with a dog can reduce stress and ward off depression.
When we’re out walking, having a dog with us can make us more approachable, giving people a reason to stop and chat, thereby increasing the number of people we meet, hence an opportunity to increase our network of friends, which also is a great stress reliever.
People who claim they don’t like dogs are different. I usually don’t mesh with them; the chemistry just isn’t there. Evidence shows individuals who say they don’t like dogs are more self-centered and emotionally incapable of real depth of feelings or displaying affection, lacking a nurturing and loving instinct. Many of these people are also very picky about many other things. Commonly, it’s suggested those people who don’t like dogs can’t be trusted. My experience has shown there is truth to that thought.
Dogs, if we’re willing to learn, help teach us how to give without expecting something in return – to be open, and to love another being for everything they are and are not. Having and loving a dog teaches us to care about something other than ourselves. Call me biased, it’s just what I’ve learned during the almost 50 years I’ve willingly, gratefully and lovingly shared my life with some of the best friends I’ll ever have. (I have the privilege to share my life with four of them now.) They don’t “hold me back” and are not too much “work!” True friends are worth it!
Dogs can show us the kind of relationship we should seek to have with another human being. To love and be loved is the greatest joy on Earth. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to share your love and life with a dog, you’ll be blessed to know that joy.
Now, “Give me your paw and roll over!” Good boy!
Michael French, is Agenda’s Home from Home columnist. Contact Michael at mf7954fla@gmail.com
