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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Love Works Both Ways

Well, I'm just going to say it...we have six awesome dogs.  There's just no getting around it.  The last couple of weeks it has felt like the whole year has caught up with me and has run me into the ground.  I just haven't been able to do the normal things like walks or extra playtime and for some reason the dogs have accepted that.  How do they do that?  How can they just know and not pester me for more attention?  When I need something I have a hard time sitting idle and being patient, but they seem to understand.  They don't fuss or whine or complain or get angry, they just wait for me.  They are just there by my side, enjoying our time together, whatever that entails.  It is like they have slowed right down with me.  It is difficult not to feel bad or guilty, but they seem to be taking it stride. 

The acceptance level that dogs have simply amazes me.  Their intuition is astounding.  Their understanding is beyond comprehension.  Six dogs that are taking care of me more than I can take care of them at this time.  In this quiet understanding I find myself reflecting at how incredible they all are, the progress they have all made, and the promises of the future.  There is a reason dogs are man's best friend.  There is a reason these creatures of the wild are domesticated for human companionship and the fact that if I never had another scrap of food for them they would still love and be there for me.

I have discovered that that love goes both ways.  I actually discovered the relationship of love after my first cat died.  I never fully understood what my love did for her.  I was always focused on what her love meant to me. I had never fully realized the impact my love had on her and that it was more than just providing food and shelter.  She was the first one who taught me this give and take connection and opened my world further into having a true relationship with my animals.   I have always been aware of how they are changing my life but it is like a brand new discovery to realize I am changing theirs. I find myself humbled that my love means something to them.

It is these relationships that have taught me the most about myself and how we are all intertwined and the real beauty of love between all creatures. 

10 comments:

Elaine Pritchard said...

That's a truly fantastic post and so very true.

Thank you so much for sharing those thoughts.

It's a humbling and timely reminder that loving and giving goes both ways. xxx

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

Another reason why those of us that share our lives with the 4 leggeds are the juckiest and happiest people in the world!

jen said...

You couldn't be more correct!
Sometimes when life gets so busy I start to feel bad that I haven't given the boys the time that they deserve. They don't ever complain, they just wait patitently until life slows down again:)Unconditional love.

Lavinia said...

You are absolutely right. My life has changed a lot since we found Aschiuta and, despite everything she chews and destroys, she knows we love her and she is always there to love us back.

I read a nice comment by someone once, that "a dog will still be happy you came home and will come lick your face, no matter where you've been or how you smell"

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

How very, very true! You said it so well. The bond between a pet and its owner can be so wonderful.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Busy Buttons said...

Very well said! Mom put a sticker on our car that says "Who rescued who?" 'cause she says I've helped her so much over the last year. My sissy died...then my grandpa died...but I did my best to make Mom laugh at my antics right through it all. We've been just rescuing each other. It helps that she spoils me rotten, too, of course. *snickers*

24 Paws of Love said...

I agree giantspeckle, what a great and true saying!!

Busy Buttons, isn't that the truth?? I can't count how many times we have saved each other. So glad you were there to help your Mom through such a tough time. Isn't it wonderful to be able to be there for each other?

Kristine said...

Lovely post and thoughts. I wouldn't be the person I am today with out my dog, without this particular dog. If she had been easier to live with at first, I wouldn't have grown as much as a human being. So I am thankful for all her quirks, even the aggravating ones. ;-)

fromsophiesview said...

What a lovely post! Especially at this time of year. Yes we are all exhausted with the lead up to celebrating this season and what makes it all worthwhile is the warmth of our furry loved ones and knowing they will always love us. Thanks again for this!Sophie's DAD Ron

houndstooth said...

It's true, they seem to have an intuition about us that defies our capacity to understand. I feel sorry for people who come home to a house without a dog waiting for them!