I’ve given several speeches lately about why we love our dogs so much, an issue that I think deserves more attention than it gets. Given that Valentine’s Day is coming up, it seems appropriate to combine my speculations about our bond with our dogs with a valentine to one of my favorite guys.
Here’s to you Willie boy, an unapologetically mushy but thoughtful ode to why I love you so much:
I love you because the feel and smell of your fur this morning somehow went right to the center of my being and made me feel centered and full and happy.
I love you because even though I groused about putting on multiple layers of clothing, once you got me outside it was beautiful, even if it was 4 below. We stood still for a moment, and breathed in the clear air, exchanging breaths with the dark, silent columns of trees standing sentinel behind us.
I love you because you remind me that my “reality” is just that, mine, and is only one of the many realities in existence. (But I love that you and I are both beginning to label the floppy, brown thing as “Pony.” Thanks for humoring me.)
I love you because it makes me happy to look at you, even if I do call you “Spaniel Face” because your ears didn’t read the chapter on appropriate Border Collie ear structure.
I love you because you can’t talk, and that makes our connection simpler and more primal than my connections with my own species.
I love you because you need me, even if that isn’t the best of motivations.
I love you because you share my work ethic, and so clearly try so hard to do your best.
I love you because although you came as a puppy who saw the world as a frightening and dangerous place, you are still overjoyed that yes, yes, yes indeed, there are an endless number of people in it who would be happy to throw your toy or rub your belly.
I love you because your expressions of emotion are so similar to those of my own, and that makes it so much easier to feel like we are experiencing the world together.
I love you because last week when we came home from Austin, you ran between Jim and I, eyes shining, leaping and twirling, licking our faces and rubbing against us, unable to contain your happiness that we were all together again. I am sorry I can’t leap and twirl as well as you can, but then, I am much older than you. And really, it’s not that much fun to for us to use our tongues to lick your fur. Sorry.
And last, but of course never least, I love you because for some reason, undeserved I’m sure, you appear to adore me. Of course, you love Jim as much or even more, but then, that’s just an example of knowing a truly good person when you see one.
I’d love to hear a valentine you might want to write to your dog . . . I’ll begin my day by savoring them. How sweet that will be.
Here’s my Willie boy, a photo I’ve always loved when there was color still on the ground.
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: It was 15 below Fahrenheit Thursday morning, only 4 below this morning. But it’s supposed to warm up, and I’m so glad. Not just because it’ll be nice to be able to walk outside without 20 pounds of clothing on (I had to sleep with TWO pairs of socks on last night for heaven’s sake), but because the deep snow will melt and we’ll finally be able to work sheep again. I did well with my 2011 commitment to work Willie off the farm and/or with people watching in early January, but that’s been shut down of late because of the snow. We’re going to visit some friends in Iowa tomorrow who have sheep and we’re hoping the snow there will be low enough to be able to work a little bit anyway.
Willie is doing great on learning his toys by name by the way! I’ll write more about this next week (and post another video), but he can pick Pony and Scorch out of a group of 8 to 10 objects reliably. I wouldn’t say 100%, but close. I’m still not sure though exactly how he has them categorized in his mind. His biggest confusion is between the two of them — if I put them side by side and ask for one, he looks more confused than if I have them in a group of toys. I’ll write more soon, but we’re making progress and having a great time doing it.
It’s a busy busy time, I’m working hard with Karen London on the booklet for adopting older dogs, lots of speeches, my UW course, I’m about to (okay, finally!) get a Facebook page and we’re finalizing arrangements for our killer seminar in Madison this October. Stay tuned, enjoy the weekend, and kiss your dog(s) for me. Just try to keep the hair out of your mouth . . .
Krisi says
Rupert, I love you because even when I mess up, you cover for both of us by working like a champ through thick and thin.
Rupert, I also love you because nobody expects all that awesome from such a tiny, tiny body.
Brian, I love you because you have managed to pull a wonderful, wiggly life out of the trauma of your past.
Poptart, I love you because only you could make being a jerk so charming.
Cali, I love you because you are so patient. You are well behaved, docile, often overlooked, but you are sweet everyday, and kind to all the tiny, broken dogs I surround you with.
Noggin, you are my heart. As terrified of the world as you are, you still manage to be the silliest, weirdest, funniest dog I have ever met. Thank you for every time I have picked you up, needing comfort, and you have stilled your ever moving body to give that to me. I will never quit trying to make the world a good place for you if you won’t.
Melanie S says
Ah, that put a smile on my face that is still there as I write this. What a wonderful ode to Willie (which included it’s own little ode to Jim)! Thanks for sharing…
Am busy working at the moment, might have a go at an Ode to Slippy later…
Barb says
Valentines for the Thee, The Three
Rudy, you give me all of the richness of our nine years together one glance, as much a part of me as my breath;
Trio, your trust in me has not come easily but is the sweeter for it; as your health improves, you sing to my heart with every look;
Sawyer, you blast all of us out of our ruts with your five-month-old exuberance! What did we ever do without you! Your eyes crackle with the joy of youth!
And when I take time from my busy-ness, you all give me your heart and soul and all your love.
I am eternally grateful.
UF says
Awwww such a great idea!
To my Grin –
I love you because you’re beatiful,
I love you because you’re such a happy dog,
I love you because you love and enjoy life,
I love you because you’re so happy to see me every day when I come home from work,
I love you because you love people and seek contact with them,
I love you because you’re brave,
I love you because you’re so smart,
I love you because you’re special.
But most importantly, I love you because you managed to change me.
There, I never thought I would write a Valentine to my dog. What do you know 🙂
Crystal says
I wrote a poem (well, adapted a song) for my dog yesterday.
Snowflakes on noses and big doggy grins;
Bright shining eyes and excited spins;
All of the balls that she constantly brings;
These are a few of my favorite things.
Two mismatched ears and a small scruffy face;
Kisses and play bows and jumping with grace;
The way that she runs like a puppy with wings;
These are a few of my favorite things.
Making new friends with her cute spazzy charms;
Mornings that find her curled up in my arms;
Fluffy white tails that wag circular rings;
These are a few of my favorite things.
When my dog barks,
When the words sting,
When I’m feeling sad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don’t feel so bad!
The full thing- with pictures to illustrate!- is here: http://reactivechampion.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-favorite-things.html
Jennifer Wall says
The way you write about your dogs past and present makes me want to go and hug my dog right away even though she’s sleeping! Here’s my little effort :
To my Jessie Jay,
I love how you make me happy to get up EARLY because it means I get to be withyou
I love to watch how much pleasure every single walk gives you
I love how you show me that you want to try your best every time
I love to watch you eat snow and chase seagulls
I love how much you smile
I love knowing that you love us and show us constantly
I love knowing that you trust us
I think we loved each other from the minute you put your little paw through the bars at the rescue centre
You make me happy every day little princess
Thank you Patricia, your books have had such an impact on helping me and my little princess work together on her issues. We are a team because of your writing.
Susan G. says
This is so sweet and touching 😉
Oscar, I love how you have taught us how smart, insightful and observant you are. There are donuts or biscuits in the snowpiles once you start looking!
I love how you have challenged me to understand you. Some things do look scary, and that route we walk is really boring.
I love the miserable face you make when it is raining, and the joyful look when you run free.
I love to watch you sleep and snore and dream.
I love how you get cold in the night and ask to get in bed…but not so often as to be annoying.
I love how you wiggle when you get excited to see us or other good human friends.
I love how we found each other when we both needed it. We are bonded that way.
You are my buddy, my best, best boy.
Kat says
I love you Ranger.
I love how you communicate so effectively even though you don’t speak any human language
I love how readily you have embraced the ideas that humans have sounds that attach to objects and that humans can understand gestures you use to tell them what you want.
I love your willingness to accept “human weirdness” such as regular baths and some places allowing you on the furniture and others not. You don’t understand why things aren’t always consistent but simply accept that “humans are weird.”
I love how beautiful you are; it makes me laugh that you recognize beautiful as one of your names since you’ve heard it so often.
I love all the people you’ve brought into my life. I hadn’t realized how lonely I was before you.
I love how much you love people. It gives me hope for my species; if someone as wonderful as you are thinks we’re marvelous then maybe we aren’t as bad as I’ve sometimes thought.
I love that we can go together to libraries and nursing homes and other places where you can share your love of people to brighten days and encourage.
I love how smart you are. You make me stretch and re-evaluate my assumptions about what you can and can’t do or understand. In trying to do right by you I’ve learned so much and as a result we’ve been able to do some good for other dogs. Danny’s life, for example, will be fuller and richer because we shared with his people the things we do with you.
I love how much you have brought into the lives of my children and how when a cat or child is yelling about something you run toward it to see if you can help.
Your respect for the elder cat delights me. He’s old and grumpy and much much smaller than you but you still give up your bed for him or cede him the couch.
I love that you listen to me, at least when it really matters. I have never been so proud as the day you stopped your joyful run toward a group of small children when I asked you to. You were a great ambassador for your species that day and rather than being frightened by a large dog running at them the children were delighted with their new big fluffy playmate.
I love how you are noble and dignified http://www.flickr.com/photos/33350160@N02/3759243814/in/set-72157621312676230/ and how you are a demented nut http://www.flickr.com/photos/33350160@N02/5426796560/. I love your great big feet http://www.flickr.com/photos/33350160@N02/5426798028/in/photostream/ and your happy smile http://www.flickr.com/photos/33350160@N02/5226913659/in/set-72157625357059325/
But most of all I love how we are two parts that make a whole. Together we are more than either of us alone; you are my other self my entry into a world not my own and I am yours. You are my Ranger, my love, my canine companion, my other self.
Karen says
These testaments of love made me cry! Oh how I wish all pets were loved and cherished this much. It is wonderful to know that there are others who know what it means to bond with an animal and how much they enrich our lives!
Marie says
I love you because you always show me how to enjoy the simple things in life.
I love your puppy bounce when it is time to play, even though you haven’t been a puppy for a long time.
I love your eyes that seem to hold more wisdom and more understanding then my own species.
I love you because you forgive instantaneously when I step on your foot or don’t have time to play.
I love you because no matter what, you are always glad to see me.
Lacey H says
Tango, I love you because of all the years you’ve been beside me. You aren’t a brilliant dog – but you are mild and kind, which is much better. You are getting old now, but you still love sniffing strolls.
Misty, I love you for all the wise help you’ve given me with confused and foolish foster dogs. I love your patience with your orthopedic limits. I admire tremendously your insights.
Sugar, my current foster, I love your newly hatched exuberance – even when it’s hard for me, because I’m getting old. You’ve accepted now that the world holds a lot more good than you once thought. You will be among the fosters I remember best.
HT says
Lurker delurking.
Milly, I love you because you are you.
I don’t like you when you steal the apple pie and eat it
but I still love you.
I don’t like you when you torment the cats
But I still love you
I don’t like you when you refuse commands
but I still love you.
Milly, you are my boon companion. I love you.
Kathy says
Patricia I only found your books a couple of years ago. I’m re-reading “The Other End” right now and thought it was time I thanked you for it. It’s brilliant and far-reaching in that most thrilling way of insights that express the blindingly obvious; and it lays some very solid paving for the road I’d like all of us, and our dogs, to be on …
Happy Valentine’s Day.
Amy W. says
Axle, momma’s boy, I love you for trusting me. I love you for getting the joke, and being convinced that you are the center of my universe. I love you for being patient and forgiving of my short-comings. I love your moxie and chutzpah; you are the dog I deserve.
Skylee, sweet girl, I love you for being the embodyment of sunshine. I love that you are a dirty hippie in the best possible way. I love that you, even as a puppy, groan like an old man when you lay down for a nap. I love that you are an off-beat genius. I love your beautiful face.
Kathy G. says
A loving valentine to you Teko…my little man:
I love you because you keep me in the moment.
I love you because you are my heart dog AND my soul dog.
I love the way you chase butterflies in springtime…helicopter wag and all.
I love your “happy dance” before I set your food down.
I love the way you nestle your head and body in the “nest” of my arm or lap.
I love the way your beautiful coat smells like the rain after a Vancouver downpour.
I love the way you wait for me to notice you before you do a big yoga stretch on the floor (of course I compliment you enthusiastically).
I love how you sleep…so innocent when you dream.
I love your big contented sigh which means all is right in your world…and now mine.
Bonnie H. says
Buddy, I love you for being able to make me smile simply by smiling yourself. I love you for your playfulness, too.
Lucy, I love you for your tender kisses. I love when you get bouncy and playful, even tho it isn’t often.
To both of my fur babies, I love you for how totally happy you are to see me, whether I’ve been gone for a few minutes or a few days.
I love you for being able to get me out of a bad mood after a rough day at work–it’s nice to have someone not want something from me, other than my presence.
I love how you get such total joy out of simple things like bubbles (apparently the most wonderful thing in the world).
Most of all, I love the dogginess of you.
Melanie says
Oh, I am going to cry while I am typing! But here goes.
To my forever best dog, indigo.
I love you because you trust me.
I love you for your whirling dervish greeting to me, regardless of how long I was gone.
I love that you are happy doing ANYTHING that involves just being with me.
I love that because my praise means more than food or toys or a ball to you, I am a better dog trainer than I have any right to be. I know that all the compliments we get regarding your magnificent behavior is all due to you.
I love you for all the lifelong friends (two and four legged) we have made because you are with me.
I love you for having my back, just as I have yours.
And finally, I love you for being a magnificent, gorgeous, thoughtful, silly, attentive, aware and instinctual dog.
Susan Mann says
Brodie, I love how you are always ready to go do- whatever! First to jump in the car, to head to the door, to whine to go out (even when I tell you to shut up!) and DO SOMETHING! even now, at 12 years old, you always want to spend time with me, even if its just hopping in the car to do errands, or jumping a jump in the backyard.
Kyp!, you are such a funny girl! I love how much you explore the world around you (though, yes, I do sometimes wish you’d come indoors faster, especially when it is COLD OUTSIDE!) and I love how you dance when I scritch you by your tail. I love how relaxed you are when we are hanging out at an agility show, or elsewhere, interested, yes, but ready to just chill (a skill my other dogs lack!) I don’t know where you came from, or when your birthday is, but I gave you Valentines Day as your birthday so many years ago, because you showed a sweet side, so happy 12th birthday!
Arie, I love you, the first dog I ever raised from a puppy, you were so dependent, and are still such a mama’s girl. I love how you curl up with me in bed, how you put your paws up on me to say hello whenever we’ve been parted, how you give sweet kisses. And I also love how you come alive at agility, and have to laugh when you scream as you run the course, or yell at me for not letting you know where to go quickly enough. So demure and sweet at home, and then- watch out!
And to all three of you, I love how you dance when I start to get your meals together. Honestly, I will feed you! Brodie and Kyp!, your feet prance up and down as if you were still puppies, and Arie, you really don’t need to race to your crate and throw the bowl out! And I love watching you explore as we take a ramble in the woods. First Brodie will notice something, then the girls come check it out, and later it will be Arie finding something unexpected and the old dogs come along and have to see it too. Kyp! will find something stinky to roll in, fortunately, the BCs will usually just explore with their noses and not feel the need to roll! And watching all three of you run is poetry in motion.
s says
never thought of giving a valentine to my dogs!
Although I’ve always had dogs, I thought with the craziness of family life, our dog owning days were done, and then we heard the “we want a dog” cries and we found you guys, one at a time of course, because just having one dog in our lives again was HUGE and I never expected to have TWO of you big lugs…ever. We’ve had our troubles for sure, but you’ve taught me so much. And when at the end of the day you plop down near me, I am thankful we are able to give you a warm home, food, security, pats and lots of walks and that your days of abandonment are over for good. I am thankful for the security you brought to our home just as the kids are gaining some independence – you probably would lick anyone who came to the door, but just knowing you are here brings a sense of security we could never buy with an alarm. I love you both for being absolutely beyond wonderful with the kids and teaching them how to treat animals. I thank you that in the midst of a rotten crazy day, a walk even just down the street brings calm and peace to me (and is always a great excuse to escape the chaos for just a few minutes!) I love that you bring your toys and balls back to me in total faith that yes, I will throw them again, and when I’ve said enough you don’t stomp your feet and roll your eyes like SOME others in the house are starting to do when they get a no… 🙂
Most especially, I love how you show me resilience is such a strength and living in the moment is pure joy.
Frances says
Dear Sophy, Poppy, Pip and Tilly
I love you for your constant companionship, calm and undemanding.
I love you for the way the dogs try so hard to understand what I am saying, and to convey their own wishes – and the cats expect me to prove my intelligence by getting it with no effort on their part at all!
I love you for reminding me that every day is new, that the sunshine is too wonderful to be wasted, that grass is green and mud is fun and water gleams and every wind blown leaf is a new-made toy.
I love you for playing with me, for laughing with me and for keeping the child in me alive.
I love you for being happy with each other, stretching your understanding to learn each others’ ways.
I love you for soft warmth pressed against me, silken ears, fragrant fur, the fresh smell of outdoors on your coats.
I love you because you are you, you are mine, I am yours.
Rusty says
Austin is a rescue so we do not know exactly when his birthday is. February of 2000 is very close according to our Vet. So, we celebrate his birthday on Feb 14. Perfect day for a perfect dog.
I love the way he barks “welcome home” after a day at work.
I love his sigh when he lays down.
I love the groan he makes when I rub his ear.
I love the look he gives me as he watches me prepare a meal.
I love that we can communicate without talking.
I really love sitting in the front yard with him by my side and people can walk by unmolested. He just sits and watches.
I love doing therapy visits with him at St Mary’s Hospital.
I love sharing him with other dog and animal enthusiasts.
I love his company and companionship.
Electric Landlady says
Lovely!
Blue, I love you for so many reasons.
You’re totally honest, incapable of lying or pretending: you always show exactly how you feel at any given moment, which is a lesson I’m still trying to learn.
I love how you run around like a mad thing when we’re out for a walk, but keep an eye on where I am.
I love how you lie on your back with all four fluffy legs in the air, and how you roll in the snow.
I love how you’re always thrilled to see me, no matter how long I’ve been gone, and the whole-body wags you give me.
I love how we’re finally making some progress with not mugging everybody who comes to the door.
I love your Airedale clownish side, especially how you play with your cousin Tilde who is a third your size.
I love your big black licquorice allsort nose and your little pink tongue and your ears.
I love how, after you’ve been to the groomer, you are suddenly half the size and have eyes again. (As you will in about two hours.) And I love how you gradually get fluffier and fluffier and more and more disreputable.
I love how when we’re out for a walk you’ll occasionally bump my hand with your nose.
I love how patient you are with me when I don’t feel like getting up and taking you for your walk.
I love how patient you are (mostly) with puppies who come up and bounce all over you.
I love your celebrated imitation of a good dog who sits nicely and yearns for treats.
I love that I’m finally figuring out some of what makes you tick — for example, you want everyone to think you’re big and tough, but underneath it all ther are quite a few things that worry or scare you.
You are my darling dog and I love you even when you’re being a total pain. Happy Valentine’s day.
Dorothy says
I love you, because you are the light of my life!
I love you, because you are a brilliant teacher, who taught me so many invaluable lessons about how a dog sees the world and that help is needed, not punishment.
I love you for being so stubborn, when you think I need to learn a lesson…NOW !
I love you, because you would lovingly and willingly throw yourself at any threat, just to protect me, whether needed or not ;o) !
I love you, because you seem to love me too and you display endless patience with me, who is sometimes too blind to see and too deaf to hear!
I am so glad, you picked me, when you were just 19 days old and you stuck to your choice with all you had! Also, because I know you from your very first day on this earth.
So in summary, you are the best dog in the world-for me. It has not been easy, but sure worth all the effort on both sides
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_2yCE_9ih9lU/TVZXZccIHMI/AAAAAAAAGak/P9MDWnEoyqo/s576/IMG_5103.JPG
Marguerite says
Here’s to my two rescued Rat Terriers…
I love you, Devlin, for finding the small, dog-shaped hole in my life and for later digging out enough room for Bridget to fit here too.
I love you both for being patient (or at least enduring) being taken to competitions, and seemingly ready to learn anything for a treat. And thank you both for teaching me the model/rival method before I ever heard the term. 🙂
I also love that your short, slick coat can’t hide ticks, is easy to clean, and allows the transfer of heat under the covers to make the electric blanket unnecessary (the same is not true regarding air conditioning).
I love Bridget’s “happy face.” And Devlin’s need to be next to me makes me want to live up to his opinion of me.
JC Burcham, DVM says
Beautiful! And I just love that everyone is responding with their own valentine messages to their own dogs! I really believe in celebrating our dogs (and others we love), even (or especially) amongst our often busy and chaotic lives.
This post reminds me just a bit of Dr. Shawn Finch’s good-bye post to her beloved dog Ebony, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge earlier this week–definitely worth a read: http://rileyandjames.com/2011/02/12/ebony-dog/
P.S. You really should consider getting an electric blanket. I honestly can’t remember what life was like before we got one. They are AMAZING. At least give it a try!
Kayla says
What a wonderful, charming idea 🙂 I couldn’t think of anyone in my life who deserves a valentine more than my boy 🙂
My sweet boy Quincy…
I love you for your morning sniffles and snuggles in my ear as soon as I stir. I love you for your neverending appetite for learning, adventure, and love (well, and food, which sort of goes without saying, you are half lab…). I love you for always saying the right thing, by not saying anything at all. I love you for being such a good nanny dog to anyone (human, canine, feline…) who crosses your path. I love you for helping me see the light, even when my world is very dark. I love you for showing me what unbridled joy looks like. I love you for your smile, and for always making me proud. I love you for trusting me even when you think I’m wrong. I love you for so many reasons, EVERY reason, but mostly, I love you because you chose me…..
Caroline McKinney says
Why Do You Ask?
I can
Pamela says
I love you, Honey.
How do work your nose so smart?
Only you know how to be friends with everyone.
Never failing to have a wag and a smile.
Even dog hair is fun when you’re around.
You’re joy in a fur coat.
Barb Walseth says
To Howard, my black standard poodle
You make me laugh out loud,
You lay your head on my lap,
You ask before you sit with me,
You always move over in bed to give me room
You help in my training classes by doing
What I ask, and not scaring the other dog.
You find things to do to entertain yourself
And when I am busy you lay out of the way
But close by to keep me company.
you are a dog that makes my heart happy.
These are a few of the things I love about you
And I love the journey we are taking together.
Kathy says
I love you for the way you lean into me when I put my arm around you.
I love you for the way your gentle eyes look into mine.
I love you for always being near and keeping me under your watchful eye.
I love you for knowing how I feel without being told.
I love you for the way your tail wags when I look in your direction.
I love you for the peace and calm that you bring to my life.
I love you for the comfort and smiles that you bring to others in hospice and in the hospital.
I love you because your favorite place to be is at my side.
How lucky are we?!
Roberta Beach says
Dogs I “own” – Danny Quinn, Seymour Phillip Hoffman, Sheila Sheltie, Annie Beagle, Margie the Mutt Puppy, and Justus the hound/dobie mix (maybe) and Dogs I “foster/rescue/give sanctuary”- Cane, Hoss, Sadie, Stella, Cyrano, Lady Bug, Queenie, Kisses, Farrah, Betty Boop, Todd, Monk, Allie Mae – you engage my energy, you make me pay attention to my body language and my tone of voice, you cuddle even when you no longer fit on my lap (Justus) – you bring me love – your names change, most of you are hounds except for Cane, some of you stay for a while and find your home – trumpets sound as you leave us without looking back, Dino and Sunshine, Jedi and Shiloh, to name a few; others stay, probably for a lifetime, Farrah, Monk, Cane, Stella, Cyrano…older, with difficult pasts, you are now safe, mostly warm, definitely well fed – you are each a piece of God on earth in fur, pointing my soul, heart and mind toward compassion, creativity, consistency, faith – you all, keepers or visitors or stayers, give me hope and consolation that my life on Earth indeed has purpose beyond myself. We forge a legacy of love and caring for animals and humans which would not be without you all here. You own my heart.
Lisa W says
With apologies to Elizabeth Barret Browning:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My voice can reach, when you are out of sight.
For the ends of the leash, your being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
routine of tricks and treats and walks and cuddles.
I love thee freely, as you and I strive for recall.
I love thee purely, as you turn for praise.
I love thee with our hard work put to use
In my older age, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love we cannot lose.
With ghosts of dogs before. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all our lives; and, if we choose,
our love will live for eternity (and biscuits).
Linda says
Shilo,
I love you for your patience when I don’t have time to walk you.
I love you for your sparkling brown eyes and soft, thick fur.
I love you for your morning kisses that say it is time to get up.
I love you when I pick up my book to read and you force your head underneath for attention.
I love you for your excitement when walking with me at the dog park.
I love your look of satisfaction at keeping those darn cats in line.
I love when you greet me at the door so excited, and I love when you are too lazy to get off the couch to greet me, but manage to roll over for a belly rub instead.
I am so grateful you came into our lives and share your love with us.
Serendipity says
Dogs,
I love you, and would do anything for you, if for nothing besides the times you sat by my side. The times when all I could ask from the world was closeness, and yet I didn’t have to ask. Thank you.
Jennifer says
Thank you Trish for getting us all to share :).
To Ginger & Kelly,
My first and second dogs made growing up as an animal lover a delight. If you were lonely, there was always a soft, fluffy ear willing to listen.
To Ewok,
My soul dog, you were a great beam of light in my life, the dog I’ve always dreamed of.
You trusted me to protect you and you always looked out for me.
You left far too soon, but my heart always smiles for having known you.
And at last to Zanzi,
You healed my heart. You make me smile every time I come home to your enthusiastically wiggly hello.
I love that by just playing with you I remember what’s important in life.
With you I love the winter (and I hate the cold). I love the patience that you’re teaching me.
You’ve inspired my thirst for knowledge on training and communicating with dogs so that I can try to understand better what you’re trying to say.
You are clever and goofy and gorgeous, and thanks to you I’ve connected with the great community of fellow dog lovers.
Happy Valentine’s Day to my Aussie heart dog.
Heidi says
To my baby girl Kiara…
I love that you chose me that day many years ago. You crawled in my lap and wouldn’t leave.
I love your unbridled joy when I return home, whether I’ve been gone a minute or all day.
I love how protective you are of me, no matter where we are. But you don’t have to protect me from the cat, he just wants love too.
I love how one minute you are running through dirt, mud, water, and the next minute you are a diva and will walk around a puddle.
I love how you snuggle next to me at night. I don’t sleep quite the same without at least one of your paws on me, even if you do hog the bed.
I love how you do almost anything I ask on command, even wear coats during the bitter cold, your car harness, and the gentle leader, even though you aren’t a big fan of any.
I love how you love me unconditionally, even if I’m in a bad mood.
I love how just seeing you and getting a kiss can make my day instantly better.
I love that you remind me to stop and play. And that you “encourage” me to stop being on the computer and pay more attention to you.
I love seeing the pure happiness in you when we go for walks in the neighborhood and around town.
I love that you are my constant companion and friend, and will always love you.
Angel says
For Bear:
I love you because we rescued each other. I rescued you from your abandonment, a trip to a shelter, an unknown future had you found someone less patient, dedicated, and stubborn than I. You rescued me from…myself, mostly. And so many more unnamed, unspoken, and unknown things.
I love you because even though you don’t enjoy hugs, kisses, and cuddles, you always want to know where I am and be in the same room with me.
I love you because you have taught me more than I have taught you. To be in the moment, to just be myself, to live each day to the fullest, to enjoy the simple things, to forgive easily, just to name a few.
I love your blue eyes and soft fur. I love the moments when you let me lay next to you quietly and just pet you or lay my arm over you. Just being. Together. When you’re still for more than 30 seconds and not trying to chew on my hand.
I love the joy you take in life – in wrestling with me, in running (oh how I love to watch you run!), in playing with doggie friends, in smelling all the smells in your smelly doggy world.
I love the way you focus on me, so intently, usually when I’m doing something else. But I just have to try to stop what I’m doing to be with you, to work with you , because your attention is so great I can’t let it pass.
I love you because you have opened a new world to me of new friends and new experiences and interests and passions.
I love you because you are overjoyed to greet me.
I love you because you forgive me my faults and shortcomings.
I love you because I am better to have known you.
MM says
You taught me that everything is fascinating.
Even the cardboard tubes inside all those toilet paper rolls.
I love that. But not nearly as much as I love you. Not even close.
orietta siri says
To Bella
I love you for the confidence you showed us both (Gianni and me) when we first met
I love you for the joy of life you brought in my life in a very sad moment
I love you because you keep me “now and here” when we’re together
I love you beacuse thanks to you a simple walk can become a moment of joy
Thanks for being part of our lives!
Sarah says
Inspired by you, I penned a love letter of my own:
To my Valentine
I love you because when you roam out of eyesight, and I call you, the muffled sound of your tags jangling lets me know that you are sprinting to get back to me. If I could run as fast as you, I
Jillann says
My dearest Olivia,
You are the very embodyment of Joy.
You warm my Heart when you snuggle next to me.
You seek to teach me, train me, help me face the world
yet you remain still, at times, my Puppy.
You are Strong, Brave and oh so Intelligent.
You are my Breathe.
And a Valentine to those who wait at the Bridge,
Emily was my Awakening,
Sarah was my Heart,
Nickers was my Strength.
MM says
Saw first crocus today with you knew who.
Ellen says
My Three
Abby, I love you for the calm stability to you bring; for looking after everyone but especially Grandma; for 12 years of loving the other puppies I brought into the pack and teaching them the ropes; for tattling when the puppies were not being good; for knowing the needs of both the humans and canines in your life and doing what you can to help
Laura says
I always tell my dog Cheyenne, “I love you more than anyone in the world except my mother and that is because it is against the rules.”
I gave my dogs Nina Ottoson toys (Dog Fighter and Tornado) this weekend and they recated exactly like I thought they would. Joker figured them both out in nothing flat. Cheyenne, who is so smart it’s eerie, looked to me for help. I have no doubt she could do it but she is smart enough to know it would be easier to just ask me. She figured it out somewhat but really just wanted me to help. I can’t deny her. She is 12 this year so she gets a bit of the old lady pass. I love them both for exactly who they are.
I used to have 3 dogs and now I have 2. They are all my favorites for different reasons. I have 5 cats and 1 of them just blows the other cats away. He just spent 3 days in the emegency hospital with pneumonia. This is his third weird life threatening thing in 8 years. He is a $10,000 black cat I found in the Woods. Woody, I love how a snuggle with you makes the world feel like a better place. Please try to stay healthy because I worry.
Everyone has said so many things above that apply to how I feel about my animals so I will just sum it up with this:
To Cheyenne, Joker, Gypsy, Zack, Woody, Goose and Zane,
I love being with you because you are much more enjoyable to be with than most people.
Sylvia Teague says
A Valentine for my Corgi
Timmy, how I love your eyes. I love how they follow me throughout my day, the mischievousness they never hide and sparkle they exude.
I love how you
Jen Gibson says
Kinka – you have my heart! I love the way you sneak up on the bed and sometimes ‘blue snake’ your way to my face to give me a wake up kiss. I love how you just want to be with me. I love how even though I have to sometimes give you medicine or clip your nails, you still come to me and give me kisses after. I love that you climb on every stool you can find in the hopes that you might get a treat!
Remy – I love that you love everyone! I love that your little stumpy tail wiggles like crazy when your Mama C comes home. Or when I come home. Or when anyone is near you anywhere and might just look your way! I love how you act like a big goofball outside when we play. I love how you take any pill so willingly as long as there is peanut butter involved. I love that you try and sneak in a crumb from a discarded plate by seemingly looking for kisses from one of us. And I love that you put up with your older sister herding you at any given moment.
Happy Valentines Day to all!
joy says
Love that you are working on a booklet for adopting an older dog!
June says
With two Shelties called Peaches & Herb, Valentine’s Day is every day.
Every day when we return home, we are reunited with them and it feels so good(quote from Peaches And Herb Reunited lyrics).
I am excited about your booklet on adopting older dogs. We are a foster home for a local Sheltie rescue and 90% of the time we foster dogs 7-10 years and older.
Donna in VA says
Max, I love you because you are always willing to do whatever I am doing and be where I am.
Kerry L. says
Ah, Walter, I should have named you Earnest because you try so hard to please,
I could have called you Sandman because with you I sleep with ease.
I might have named you Stubby because your legs and tail are short, or
I could have called you Happy cause you’re always a good sport.
I could have named you Rowdy ’cause you love to chase the cat,
But I named you Walter and I love you, and that’s all there is to that!
lin says
To our Pupper:
You trust and need us so much, how can we not love you? We are your circle, your family, your safe zone. I am very grateful for your iron tummy and your bladder of steel.
Because I can’t leave out the cat:
Mr. Kitty: Your purr is wonderful, and I am forever so grateful you know exactly how to handle a jealous dog. Your weight against my legs at night is very comforting.
Mary Beth says
Here’s my mission statement as a Dog Warden. Everyone’s valentines fulfill that mission more eloquently than anything I’ve ever done. How awesome that everyone shared!! Thank you!
Once someone said to me, upon listening to my ad lib voice-overs that I was giving to a group of horses that we were watching at play, “You know, I never knew that horses had personalities, but now I can see that they do!”
My mission is not to anthropomorphize animals or to falsely project any human trait upon them. Rather, my mission is to reduce the overpopulation and the dumping of animals at shelters and rescues by sharing the beauty of each animal’s individual persona with the world. If people can be taught to treasure each animal for its personality, whether its wild, feral or domestic, whether couch potato or chained, mutt or champion; perhaps then people won’t be so quick to abandon, abuse or neglect the lives of the animals around them.
My mission is to share my “tricks of the trade.” To teach people ways to better the lives of their pets and to better the lives of the pet owners through behavior modification and training. Each pet I’ve owned has shared new lessons with me. I wish to share those gifts with as many people as I can. To prevent life’s hard knocks through shared knowledge. I realized this after I noticed that the rescued animals that most upset me were the ones that were the easiest to train. These ones often came into the shelter with a bad habit, but it was incredibly stupidly easy to fix it. Instead of being relieved at the ease of the solution, I was doubly mad that the owners hadn’t handled it themselves. It’s easy to understand when a tough to train animal is turned over to the pros. It’s hard to understand when the easy ones are dumped. Perhaps that’s a message I need to understand. The ones that seem easy to me to fix must have seemed impossible to live with to the person who dumped their problem on to the shelter. May I find a way to intercede.
Susan says
To the GimmelDog: I love your optimism even in the stubborn face of my own pessimism. I love that you expect things to go well. I love that it’s still OK with you when they don’t, but that you continue to expect they will. I love your willingness to work although there are terrier pursuits calling out to you. I totally love your creativity and your sense of humor and your cheekiness. I love your sweetness and the way you look at me out of the corner of those laughing eyes. I love your generosity and whole hearted way of living, even when it gets you really, really stinky. I love that you have graced me with your overabundance. Everyone should have such a love at least once in their lives.
Wendy W says
My dear Hope – although there’s many things I love about you, I think the truth of the matter is that I love you because you love me. You’ve had my heart since the moment I saw you look up from your kennel at the SPCA. May I always care for you in a manner worthy of this love.
Melora Neaves says
I love all of the dogs from all of my life because they’ve completed me. Dogs have pulled me from the brink when I’ve been at my lowest, made me strive to be better, and put sunshine in my heart on the darkest days.
And now that the dog love of my life, Sasha, is blind, I’ve been pushed in everyway to make her health be the best it can be, so that she still has the best quality of life possible. Recently, this Parsons Terrier has been making me laugh again with her antics, and amazing me with her inteligence. And yes, even being blind, she can pick out her toys by name, and bring them to me. It’s her favorite job.
FidoPhoto says
To my Fuzz Bunny Axel,
I love you because you’re fluffy and handsome and consistently cheerful,
a pleasure to spend any and all time with, you pine for me when I’m away (as I do you) and you make me smile when I’m so certain no one and nothing can.
I love that you don’t cringe when I call you “Bunny” in public even though you’re a big manly German Shepherd Dog. I love how you cover your eyes with your paws when you want to be loved up and how I never have to worry about what might happen when we’re in the woods alone together even though we both know you’re a poor excuse for a guard dog. I even love how you blow me off sometimes when I call you (yes, I saw your ear twitch so I know you heard me) because it reminds me not to take your willingness to respond for granted. I love how you reflect back what I’ve taught and what I’ve not quite taught you.
I love how kind you are to the cats most of the time and how you like absolutely everyone that has a ball or frisbee in their hand. I love that I have things that you want. I love to give them to you.