Dog
A man’s best friend.
Everyone should have a Dog.
If you do not have a Dog, I sincerely feel bad for you.
Nothing better than coming home, even if I just left for 60 seconds, and Poppy running around, being so excited as if he hasn’t seen me for years.
Unconditional Love.
The best & most pure type of love.
It gives, without expectation of anything in return. It's a selfless, enduring affection that remains constant regardless of circumstances or changes.
This form of love accepts and embraces another person for who they truly are, including their flaws and imperfections, while offering unwavering support and compassion.
Everyone desires to experience unconditional love.
What you love the most — has the greatest potential to hurt you.
When I was 8 years old, I was viciously bit on my back left shoulder from a Rottweiler. Being rushed to the hospital, I remember my Vietnam Veteran Medic, Grandfather stating I wouldn’t need stitches. Hearing this temporarily eased the burning sensation of pain.
Upon arriving at the Hospital, I was informed stitches were indeed needed to successfully heal the wound. Up to this point in life, I was terrified of getting stitches from hearing about someone else’s experience in receiving them. So, naturally, I began to panic & question my Grandfather’s comment.
I remember being angry he was wrong. But, knowing what I know now, it was his unconditional love for his grandson.
For years, I was terrified of Dogs.
Not necessarily due to the pain of the attack, but simply because I overheard a conversation amongst my Mom, on the landline phone (Gen Z won’t know what these are and how you could pick up the other line to listen into a conversation), with a family member.
She said something along the lines of, “I am concerned he will be scared of dogs for the rest of his life.”
Immediately in hearing this comment, I was scared. Not because I actually was, but because maybe I was supposed to be. Again, as I’ve grown to learn, this was my Mom’s unconditional love for me.
Years later, we rescued our family dog, Hunter and my fear for Dogs was history.
ps - Thank you too all of our service men, women and first responders. You all represent the definition of unconditional love.
DOG <> GOD
Dogs played significant roles in ancient societies, not only as practical helpers but also in cultural, spiritual, and artistic expressions.
1. Egyptians: Ancient Egyptians domesticated dogs and viewed them with reverence. They were often depicted in art and buried with their owners. They were also used for hunting, guarding property, and sometimes in religious rituals.
2. Greeks and Romans: In ancient Greece and Rome, dogs served as hunting partners, guards, companions and even used in medical practices. The Romans even developed specialized breeds for herding, warfare, and protection. They held dogs in high regard and frequently portrayed them in mosaics and sculptures.
3. Mesopotamians: The Mesopotamians, particularly the Assyrians, bred dogs for hunting and as guards. They were often depicted in art, accompanying hunters or guarding temples.
4. Aztecs and Mayans: In Mesoamerica, the Aztecs and Mayans domesticated breeds like the Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog). They were companions and were also involved in religious practices.
5. Chinese: In ancient China, dogs were used for hunting and guarding. Some breeds, such as the Pekingese, were considered companions of royalty.
Dogs were believed to have healing powers and were often present in these temples.
They were considered sacred to Asclepius and were allowed to roam freely within the sanctuary grounds. It was thought that they could facilitate healing by licking the wounds of the sick, which was considered a form of therapy. This belief likely stemmed from observing dogs’ natural behavior of licking their own wounds, which can help in cleaning the wound and possibly speeding up the healing process.
Dog.
What a coincidental choice of title/name?
DOG <> GOD
Dogs, like God, offer unconditional love.
Unconditional Love
A healing power to all.
No matter your religious or spiritual beliefs —
If you do not have the healing, unconditional love for yourself, you won’t have it for others.
To be whole, I believe we all need to be loved, unconditionally.
If not, one is living a life All For Nothing.
