Dogma of Love

It's no coincidence that Dog is God spelled backward, and those of us who love dogs know something about God. A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than it loves itself, and there's nothing like the unconditional love of a pet. They give us a sense of purpose. Animals are such agreeable little friends. They ask us no questions and pass no criticisms. Dogs don't judge on physical appearance or abilities; they don't care what you do for a living or how much money you make. They only care about your character and your capacity to love. Most of us cannot separate the love of dogs from people because dogs fill the natural nurturing need inside of us.

A dog is a portal to pure love, and through their eyes, we see the face of God.

Humans and dogs have a unique relationship that seems impossible to imagine with any other animal. Over time, dogs and humans have grown to need each other. Humans may use other animals to improve their quality of life, but most humans could separate from them if needed. Most would not choose to separate themselves from dogs. With dogs, things are different. Humans and dogs, by contrast, adore each other. When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, so many people refused to evacuate without their dogs that Congress passed a law requiring disaster preparedness plans to accommodate pets.

A dog's love should never be taken for granted because people and dogs share such a genuine bond. What may begin as a transaction quickly becomes mutual need and respect. This bond makes our lives inseparable. For many, the reaction we get from dogs is proof enough that dogs truly love us. Our souls become one. While we may not speak the same language, we understand each other’s souls. They show their love in the best ways. While it may inflate your ego, it also feels good to know that your pet cares about you as much as you do them. So, how do you know if your dog loves you?

How often have you come home from work or the store to a dog that's too excited for its own good? How often have you walked out of the house for a minute only to be greeted by a dog that acts like you've been gone for months? They miss us when we are gone and expect nothing but joy when we return.

Dogs are pack animals and always want to nest with their leader. They want to keep tabs on you. They want to make sure you're safe. Sleeping near you shows that they can't be comfortable without you, and it's been studied that dogs who sleep with their protectors live longer lives. It’s natural for them to want to sleep at the foot of the bed. They are the barrier between you and a predator, and they put themselves in the path of danger.

How often have you given your dog a pet only to have them lean heavily into it? It might be their signal to pet a little more complicated, but it's also a sign that they trust you. If you sit on the couch and have your dog grab a spot on your lap or they're right next to you, it’s their sign that they feel safe with you.

Your dog may want to play, but chances are that your dog wants to share as well. Dogs don't have that much to offer you physically, but if they have a favorite toy (or, in Nora's case, socks), they are generous enough to share.

What began as a mutual services contract has become much more like love. Love rarely touches the rational parts of the brain. It touches the devoted parts of our lives we call the heart. It’s in our hearts that dogs imprint on us. None of it makes a lick of sense, but it doesn't have to. Dogs are the most amazing creatures. They live brave, beautiful little lives by protecting us, loving us, and brightening our lives. Right up until they die, they live because they don't waste time being afraid of tomorrow.

Our pets have such a short amount of time to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is incredible how much love and enjoyment they bring into our lives. Dogs have a much better attitude to life and death than we do. They know when their time has come, but we are the ones who suffer when they pass. It’s a healing kind of grief that enables us to deal with other griefs that are not so easy to grasp. The past few months have been excruciating for us without Nora. It’s made me realize that she may not have been my whole life, but she made it whole. For over 19 years, she was my one constant when everything else changed. There is no normal since we said goodbye. They say the road to heaven is paved with paw prints; if not, that doesn't sound much like paradise to me. Nora was the purest love of my life, and she took a piece of my heart when she left. I will never be completely whole until she is in my arms again.