Some of us love cats more than dogs. Some of us love dogs and absolutely can't stand cats. I, for one, have always had a special bond with dogs and the relationship they can have with us.
My first dog when I was born was named Sammy. She was a Pomeranian. When I was a kid, she was very energetic and always excited. As I grew older, Sammy slowly but surely became ill. She couldn't see clearly anymore, would get sick very easily, and never wanted to be active anymore.
Being a little boy at the time, I was clearly confused. I always wanted Sammy to get up and play but she just wouldn't move. She just wanted to lay there. Now granted, Sammy was 18 years old - which "in dog years" is technically around 90 years old, I guess.
I remember fondly of going outside to play and seeing Sammy just laying on the ground not where she normally was. She'd walk a little out past my yard to where she knew we wouldn't notice her. She was going away to die. Being a kid, I had no idea what was going on. And I was the one to always find her laying down, so what did I do? I told Sammy to get up. I'd help her up and walk around with her. Not knowing she was soon going to pass away.
Whenever I found her the night she passed away, I held her up and asked my dad why Sammy was frozen… It was mid-July, that dog wasn't frozen.
We built a cross out of wood and placed it in our backyard with Sammy's name on it. That was the hardest loss I had as a boy growing up.
A few years passed and my family got another dog, Max.
Max will always be my best pal. He has been around since I lost Sammy.
It amazes me what you can learn from dogs and the joy they bring into your lives, sometimes without us even noticing.
Whenever you walk into the door and they come running down the hall into your arms.
Whenever they give you one look and you know they just want some love.
Whenever they have SO MUCH hope while your eating dinner that you might slip them a little piece of chicken.
You can learn so much from dogs.
Dogs never have any judgement toward you. Wanna dye your hair blue? OK. Who cares. Your dog sure as hell doesn't. Wanna eat all the leftover pizza in the fridge? Go for it. (As long as you save them a piece of pepperoni).
If you're a dog owner yourself, you'll know as well that dogs know when something is up with you emotionally. Whenever my grandmother passed away, Max sat outside my bedroom door for a week straight. Making sure I was okay. You can always count on them.
They care. And they're loyal.
If you don't have any plans, hang with your dog. You're always invited to every walk in the park with them. They love the company.
They deserve to be loved and protected.
No dog, in my opinion, should be caged up or attached to a chain outside all day long. They need to run free.
Your dog will always be happy to see you. It never fails. After not being at home for a few months because of college, there's no feeling like coming home to seeing how excited my dog gets when I walk into the door. Even if you're gone for a few days or even a few hours, they always enjoy seeing you.
Dogs enjoy the simple things in life. And we can all learn so much from that. We get so caught up in the world around us that we forget about the little things. The little things are what is most important at the end of the day. They can make the biggest difference.
Always keep in mind too, your happiness makes your dog happy. And they expect nothing in return.
Humans often give and expect an instant gratification. When this doesn't happen, it tends to lead to disappointment. Dogs, on the other hand, are just happy to be around. They'll never be disappointed in you.
Also, you have to admit, nothing is cuter than puppies.
If you have a dog, go give it a big bear hug.
Woof.
