Ode to the Family Dog

Tail wagging when you walk through the door, always there to brighten your day and welcome you home.  A few licks and jumps and circles emphasize their excitement to see you.  No matter how bad your day is, their joyful greeting lets you know how happy they are to have you home.  The love of a dog is enthusiastic and adoring, no matter what.

Tolerant of tail pulls and horse play.  Excited to run and play and chase.  Always in the middle of whatever activity is transpiring, underfoot or on top of things.  Sitting on board games so they, too, can be the center of attention.  Knocking over towers and stepping on puzzles, only because they want to join in on the fun.  Play time is their favorite way to show their engagement and desire to be part of the family.  The love of a dog brings laughter and spirit to your family.

Curled up and close by when someone is sick.  Sweet and tender and sad when one of their people doesn’t feel well.  Never leaving your side, always ready to be cuddled with and laid on top of.  Watching over you, waiting for improvement, nursing you back to health through their affection and compassion, doing what they can to make you feel better.  The love of a dog is empathetic and caring.

Always ready for a run or walk so you can both get your exercise.  Excited to ride along as you drop the kids at school.  Filling that empty house feeling when your partner or kids are away.  An early morning fishing buddy who loves the boat and quiet time on the lake.  A friend to hang with at the park while the kids play.  The love of a dog provides companionship and adds fullness to your life.

An opportunity to teach responsibility and accountability.  Filling the food or water dish, exercising and picking up after the dog….things kids can do for the love of a dog.

Wandering the house, moving from room to room, reinforcing their love for you.  Attentive to the moods and feelings of your family, providing devotion and encouragement where needed.  A real life teddy bear to hug and cry on when there are problems with friends or school or kids or work.  The love of a dog is non-judgmental and unwavering.

A true member of the family, the love of a dog is something to cherish and appreciate!