THE LOVE OF DOGS

I'm afraid of dogs. I have been for years. But recently, I had a change of heart.

I’ve always been afraid that they ‘snap’ and bite me. When I was a child and in my teens, and even in my adulthood, I couldn’t get near dogs. You hear these horrible stories about dogs biting humans; their canines and thick bodies intimidated me.

We babysitted the dogs of one of my ex-colleague last year and to my astonishment, I fell in love with them. I discovered why so many people love them: they are a bundle of love. That’s all they know, love.

I realized what they bring to us, especially when we live alone. Unlike cats, they respond when you call them, they want your attention much like children. When you come home instead of a dead silence and darkness meeting you, that little ball of excitement will be waiting for you at the door, its tongue out, barking, seemingly telling you in no uncertain ways how happy it is to see you. It always seems happy to see you.

What about protection? What if you live in a big house? Or a dangerous neighborhood? Dogs are loyal to their masters, and in some cases more useful than any alarm system. In the famous words of Marilyn Monroe, “Dogs never bite me. Humans do.”

I understand why they're called ‘men’s best friend.’ I even become a little jealous when I visit someone and they own a dog. Because of this un-admitted envy, we plan on having a Chihuahua short coat or a Terrier breed, or maybe even Yorkshire.

One thing I noticed in us, humans, is we can be in the worst of moods but we can't deny the soft spot that takes form in our heart when we see a baby seal, a baby deer, or any types of baby animal for that matter. Animals have a special kind of positive, warming effect on us, almost spiritual. They are the symbol of innocence and peace.

I've learned that dogs are a great indicator of someone's character. When I meet an individual I look for clues about who the person is by observing their animal’s behavior.

Thinking about it, I was never afraid of dogs. I was afraid of their master. I interviewed a friend of mine for this blog yesterday (You will be amazed by her story) and her little dog died after being bitten by her next door neighbor's Pitbull. It tore her puppy size animal to the point where when she arrived at the hospital there was nothing the veterinarian could do to save her.

I realize just now other people's deep connection with their beloved pet.

With Purpose, Passion, and Love,

Frédéric Byé