It is a beautifully clear and sunny day in Portland, Oregon. I am in the middle of Portland's famous Saturday Market enjoying the sun, the smells, and the sights. What kind of sights am I enjoying? I can't get enough of the dogs.

It seems that the humans of Portland and its surrounding areas love to bring either their kids and dogs to the Saturday Market. A young woman walking towards me is carrying her little canine-American citizen in her arms. What do I do as a passerby? I wave at the little guy. As soon as I do this, the owner furrows her brow in confusion as she realizes that I was not waving at her; I have never seen her before in my life. I was waving at the pup like he was an old friend from daycare.

This is something I do all the time. I wave at dogs. I stare at dogs. I talk to dogs. Sure, they may just be animals, but they are among my favorite animals. Dogs are loyal, friendly, loving, and fun. They are like children but with more hair and fewer needs. Dogs don't need a college fund, a prom dress, or an entire dietitian-recommended pyramid of food variety. They just need water, kibble, exercise, and love.

Okay, we can agree that dogs are great. But hang on a second. Why do I stare at them?

I stare at dogs because they understand. They may not be as intuitively smart as humans, but I believe that dogs have an astounding amount of empathy. When we are happy and loving, so are our dogs. When we are sad, sick, or hurt, our dogs comfort us. Dogs can mourn and experience sadness just as well as they can enjoy a good meal. In many of these ways, dogs are just like people. That is why they make such great companions.

I do not currently have a dog with me, so I like to live vicariously through everyday dog owners around me. When I'm in line somewhere or stopped at a red light and I see a dog, I like to look at them. And you know what? Dogs always look back and share a little stare with me. They don't become awkward like the person you glance at across the classroom. Dogs just look back at you and share a moment of life with you. There are times when I have a lot going on in my mind, and I will look at a dog and they will look back at me as if to say, "Listen. I know. Life is hard sometimes (*ruff*)." And I think they're right (*ruff*).

Obviously dogs are animals and they do not have as many things to worry about as we do. Yet, they can still teach us things about ourselves and about what it means to share this life with others. When a dog is treated well and is part of a family, the dog shows unconditional love. Dogs don't hold grudges when you are late from work, and they don't ask you why you didn't text them back (imagine if dogs had cell phones!). Dogs simply love the time they have with you when they have it. If you strip away all of the little social cues and questions that have become ingrained in our minds, this type of interaction is what we are left with, and it makes me think nearly every day: be more like dogs.

Also, stare at them. It's great. I swear.