I have been known to say that I prefer dogs to most humans. Some have asked me why. Undeniably there is the unconditional love we receive from our dogs, but it goes beyond that. While this post may come across as cynical, it is not meant to be. I just think there is a purity and an honesty that is found in animals that humans sometimes either forget they have within themselves, or simply disregard. Maybe our brains are too highly developed for our own good or maybe we have just forgotten how important it is to be honest and kind and grateful.
My dogs, past and present, have never pretended to know my motivations. One of my greatest assets and also one of my greatest faults is honesty. While I believe it is admirable to be honest, with humans it can sometimes be difficult because I would like to believe that others are being truthful with me, which is not always the case. With humans you have to guess. With dogs you always know.
I try to be kind and compassionate. With humans kindness is often exploited or mistaken for weakness, but be kind to a dog and it will always be appreciated.
Dogs do not criticize if, in their estimation, we have fallen short of their expectations – in fact I don’t think they have any expectations. Dogs are grateful for anything they are given, whether it is a meal, a walk, a cookie or just a pat on the head. Gratitude - a quality humans would do well to emulate. The thanks we are shown by our dogs is from the heart. It is genuine. It is not because they expect something in return. This is the unconditional love we often hear about. I sometimes wonder if this is something humans are even capable of. I would hope we are.
No matter what has happened during the day, no matter how long or how briefly I have been away, my dog is always happy to see me when I walk in the door. There are no questions asked, no explanations are necessary. There is an implicit trust. I never have to prove myself worthy because my dog already knows. As long as I am there, I know that in my dog’s mind all is right with the world.
Dogs are real. There are no hidden agendas, no lies, no pretenses. If I do something wrong I am quickly forgiven and never have to hear about it again.
Dogs are real. There are no hidden agendas, no lies, no pretenses. If I do something wrong I am quickly forgiven and never have to hear about it again.
I am certainly not perfect but I think if I want to be a better person, I will try to be more like my dog!
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