My birthday/anniversary post was quite the downer, so I was trying to figure out something more uplifting to write about. It came to me in the grocery store checkout line. I am the person marketing folks want to be standing in line with interesting things to read while waiting. There was an entire magazine devoted to dogs and why we love them. Complete with a precious puppy on the cover. I had to buy it (you are welcome marketing genius).
And it turns out, the science is mixed on whether or not dogs love us the way we think of love. I have to respectfully disagree with those scientists. Dogs feel what we feel and love deeply. I believe this with all of my heart. Two dogs helped me move on from an early relationship loss in my mid 20s. A dog helped me process the unexpected death of my mother. And most recently, two pups helped me survive a global pandemic.
My impulsive decision to add not one, but two puppies to our family in the spring and summer of 2020 saved our family in so many ways. I am actually writing an entire book about it (working title – My Pandemic Puppies: The good, the bad, the lovely). But here are a few of the memories that will be with me long after these silly pups are no longer with me. I have a permanent alarm clock with me at all times. Waking up and napping is strictly regulated. There are no throw pillows anywhere in our home because there is a very stubborn pillow thief who loves nothing more than to steal them and wait for you to chase him to get them. He will wait you out for hours with this game. I also have two ride or die partners for all of my car rides. They love going anywhere as long as they are in the car with me. The longer the ride, the better. Whenever I question the idea of getting two puppies, I am reminded of the smiles I saw on the faces of my family during a time when there was very little to smile about in our world.
So sorry scientists. Dogs do, in fact, love and in the best ways possible.