Why a Dog?

I believe, without question, that our lives are better with animals in them. Every kind of animal adds uniquely to our perspective on life and our experience living it.   

As I begin this journey, exploring the impact dogs have on our lives it seems fitting to begin this blog with an exploration of the question, "Why is our connection to dogs so special?" 

Growing up with a lovely mutt, Curly, I never gave any thought to why we adopted him.  I think my mom wanted to make us happy.  But why a dog?  Why not another cat, fish, or maybe a lizard?

I know that companionship, loyalty, and good fun are reasons people choose dogs. But I'm not sure those qualities are attributable only to dogs.  I think there's more to it.

 What makes our connection to dogs unique is that they chose us first.  

I listened to a book a little while back titled, The Genius of Dogs, by Vanessa Woods and Brian Hare.  The authors make the case that, by virtue of being friendly, dogs domesticated themselves. Dogs chose us. This premise is compelling. But, I would add, this choice became about more than food and shelter. Over time, in addition to being essential,  we became enough.

I think all of us, children and adults alike, crave this kind of assurance. To be enough. Not lacking. But not too much either.  Just right.  

How do I know that I am enough for my dogs? Because even after their needs for food and exercise have been met, they want to be with me.  They want to sit under my desk when I write, snuggle on my lap when I watch TV, come with me when I go out, and sleep with me at the end of the day.  Regardless of whether I have been at my best or not.

And though sometimes I'd like to go to the bathroom by myself or sit at the computer without a dog on my lap—it is very comforting to know that simply being present is all that is wanted and all that is needed.  It is enough.

This is the essential point of Pawfect Endings. When you spend time with our dogs, you are just right.