My love asked me for a Valentine’s date TWO WEEKS AGO. The fact that someone who sees your face everyday still wants to celebrate your love is, shall we say, an auspicious occasion. And to think ahead? Well, need I say more? Yes, we’re comfortable with each other, but I still crave that feeling of being special to someone so dear to me.
The emphasis on romance this week is only part of the story. We dearly love our children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents, siblings and best friends, and even though the people you cherish might already know how you feel — and they might not — it feels really good to be reminded. Letting them know how much they mean to you gives them reassurance that you care. A few words on a card, a call, a visit, email, text or tweet all say I’m thinking about you. And it feels so good to hear this.
Getting warm fuzzies from someone special is great, but here’s a furry idea to add to the weekend: dropping by the local pound or Humane Society. Valentine’s Day is media-fashioned for lovers of the human persuasion but really, can any of THEM be as loyal, as enthusiastic, as dependable as Spot? True, dog kisses aren’t nearly as satisfying, but those fierce tail wags when we open the front door have the power to erase, or at least ease, a stress filled day. We reassure our loves, families, and friends on V-day, but every orphan in a kennel is yearning for a pet and a scratch. To be your pet, for sure, but a human hand for two minutes sure makes a day better.
This annual celebration of the most important thing in the world — love — means sweethearts everywhere yearn to receive tangible proof from their beloveds. But sometimes it feels just as good to give love as to get it. The more you give to them, the more they’ll give to you. At least in theory. So do yourself a favor….
Very sweet reminders on several levels. Nothing brings out the best in us more than expressing love. In addition to the people who have been close throughout my life, it seems I've always had a dog that has been the living embodiment of love and gratitude. I grew up in the 50s, a different era. Much as we loved the family dog, he was a second-class citizen in our home. Times have changed and my canine partners have come up in the world to share every part of my life. They give so much and fill my day with smiles and discoveries. Any kindness we show an animal is a reflection of the best in us and makes us more worthy humans. Thank you for this post.
This was a challenging piece to write because I am not a dog owner. Somedays I can barely take care of myself, let alone an animal. However, I can see all around me that folks simply adore their dogs. Perhaps this can serve as the beginning of my dog-therapy. Barking has always set my teeth on edge so any hints you may have to help me past this would be appreciated. Thanks, Dan.
Not sure if your question refers to dogs you pass in the neighborhood or whether you're thinking about a dog for yourself. Barking usually indicates a problem the owner has caused by poor treatment or failed to resolve with positive incentives. Conditions in many animal shelters are horrific (despite good intentions) and the dogs bark constantly and soon become quite traumatized by the atmosphere in those facilities. They are afraid and starved for the normal attention they need. Dogs are highly social. They'll bark mindlessly if isolated or confined in some inhumane way. It can mean various things including that the dog is afraid, which then means it might become aggressive. If a dog is comfortable and confident, knows how to play, is well-socialized and feels safe, it'll be a delightful companion. None of our dogs have been "barkers," I think because we've given them generous time and attention, unwavering kindness, and a ton of love, and they give it all back to us tenfold.
Thank you for this, which I count as Session #2 of my dog-therapy!