by Lynn A. Thomas
HealthyHappyDog.com
Last night as I sat petting Max, I asked my husband, “Do you think Max loves us?”
“I don’t know that dogs feel the emotion of love like we do,” he said.
I’ve been thinking about this since last night. This morning when Max greeted me with animated joy… was that love?
When I fed Max his breakfast and then he came over to me and licked my foot as if to say, “Thank you”… is that love?
When my grandson visits and Max plays tug with him and his toys… and my grandson squeals with delight… is that love?
When my husband comes homes tired from his day and Max bounds out of the house to greet him — almost too excited to contain his joy at seeing his Master — is that love?
When a dog puts itself in the path of danger to protect a family member … when a dog pulls a child from harm… when a dog warns us, plays with us, lays with us… is that love?
Recently someone told me about a police dog that was killed in the line of duty – having stepped into the path of the bullet to protect his handler. Is that love?
Years ago my uncle was walking in the woods with his border collie when a pack of wild dogs came up to them and his collie fought them off to protect his Master… was that love?
When I take Max to the Assisted Living Facility and the residents beam with delight and laughter at just seeing him; and when dogs visit with people in the hospital…. is that love?
When you’ve had a hard day and you just want to sit and be consoled by hugging your dog… maybe telling him your troubles … and feeling lightened from the interaction… is that love?
I like to think that we receive some of the purest love from these wonderful animals.
What do you think?
