When was the last time you gave a stranger a compliment? Better yet, has it been a while since you told someone how much they mean to you? Sometimes, we may take for granted the ability to make endearing comments to others simply because it might make us uncomfortable, we dismiss the importance of doing so, or we simply forget. However, why is it that we do not fail to express the same sentiments that people should know about to our pets, specifically our dogs? Perhaps it is because a reaction that is more than a wagging tail and loving puppy-dog eyes can feel a bit risky or unwarranted.

Humans deserve affection just as much as puppies, maybe not to the same degree, but just enough for a smile to appear. People in our lives and passersby have their unique stories, their own agendas, and their own ways of being, as do we. Yet, we share the same capabilities of being the best we can be on a daily basis. Our dogs know that; they know nothing but that we are loving humans and they expect nothing less of us, and neither should we.

Let's be honest.

Maybe, in the context of fetch, our dogs would allow some sort of lie if you were to cleverly hide a toy behind your back while pretending you had thrown it. In this case, that type of lie is typically done with a mutual understanding that it is for fun and games. Regardless, a lie can be deceiving and hurtful in nature, and as anyone else, you should not accept one in your own life, or tell one to others despite any good intentions. Lies only breed more lies, and it is very well known that your dog would want you to throw the toy rather than keep it (the truth) from them, as would anyone else. Sincerity is never outdated; it brings peace and comfort and a sense of contentment knowing that nothing will eat at your conscious as much as fabricating some story or fact would. Therefore, do what is right, and be honest, for yourself, for others, and most importantly for your dog.

Offer satiety and warmth, even if never asked for.

Do you have any unwanted clothes or uneaten food that you are capable of giving to those who are unable to provide for themselves? If you can afford to let go of items such as these to individuals who may benefit from them, then do not let anything hold you back. There are so many people out there who desperately need socks, a toothbrush, water, and comfort. If you see your dog, or any other, shivering or whining from hunger, it is almost instinctual to want to cuddle up to them and offer them what they need. We should be just as instinctual when it comes to helping out those around us who are not as fortunate enough to have a roof over their heads or a penny to their name. As your dog looks to you for some solace, so might anyone else dealing with the most unforeseen or unfortunate circumstances, even if it is not explicitly stated. Do what you can for as long as you can. Your dog would appreciate that if they were the one who needed you the most. Please consider seeking charities and food pantries in your area to help where help is needed.

Compliment someone.

Your dog loves nothing more than attention. People are no different. Sometimes, all that is needed to elicit some jovial emotions is an affirmation that one is loved or admired. Friends, family, pets, and even strangers may need only a small compliment to make their day. Thus, why not be the reason why someone puts on a smile for a day? As long as the compliment is a genuine one, there is no reason not to give it. Sure, it might be random and out of the ordinary for you, but that does not deny the fact that your dog would love to hear how good of a boy he is on a daily basis if he could. We may not need to be told every day how great we are like our pets do, but occasional praise still does just enough good to turn our day around. Speak your mind with unwavering courage and with selfless intentions. Call, text, visit, do something that will enable you to flatter someone who deserves it because even your dog knows how wonderful it feels to be recognized and valued.

So much more can be said about what your dog might expect you to be like as a human being, but the point is that your endearing pet would want you to be just as generous and altruistic to others as you are to him or her. Love and kindness are contagious; a little here and there can do no harm.