So says Lucy in a Peanuts comic strip. And I’ve personally found that to be infinitely true, including this afternoon. After church today I ran several errands and I came home pretty tired. I lay on the bed and my dog, Princess – a Pit Bull mix who isn’t aware that she’s not a lap dog – twisted herself until she had her head perched squarely on my right leg. For most of the next hour I relaxed by watching TV and stroking her head.
Best-selling author Dean Kootz wrote that, “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” Prayer is amazing, and petting my puppy doesn’t surpass it – but it’s definitely high on the list of things that soothe and relax.
On top of that, my dog is one of my closest confidants. Christopher Morley wrote that, “No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does.” Indeed, I’ve had amazing talks with my dog, and she just looks at me with a knowing look that says she understands just how I feel. As wonderful as my closest friends are, they don’t always have time for my deepest thoughts. My faithful mutt never fails to listen without any judgment or condescension.
I know that some people swear by their cats, but I’ve never shared their passion. Even if I weren’t highly allergic to cats, I’ve always found them to be highly aloof and fickle. Cats are entertaining, but they aren’t always faithful. God bless the people who are in love with their cats; I thank God every day for creating the dog, and especially for bringing Princess into my life.
Writer Caroline Knapp said that, “Before you get a dog, you can’t quite imagine what living with one might be like; afterward, you can’t imagine living any other way.” I wholeheartedly echo her sentiment. And for those who haven’t experienced such joy, I’ll close with the words of Kevin O’Leary: “If you want a friend, buy a dog.”
