Here we are in the beginning of February feeling like it’s the 800th day of winter while living in the arctic tundra. Although February is the shortest month, it always seems like the longest because the joy of Christmas and the anticipation of crisp white snow is behind us. Only one reason exists for February and that is Valentines Day, but even after that, the flowers wilt, our chocolates disappear, and we begin to count the days. But, do not despair because as I was going down this road of gloom, I couldn’t help but think there has to be something we can all focus on to bring some happiness to this bleak winter…and that something is dogs. It seems like everyone loves them, and their soul purposes here are to be loved and to serve their humans, us.
Believe it or not, the first dog I owned as an adult was a stray I named Valentine. My husband found her as a puppy wandering in the cold on Valentines Day and brought her home with a big red bow around her neck. She immediately curled up for warmth by our fireplace, and although I promised I would never own a dog, I immediately fell in love with her. She was probably a collie, lab mix; we really didn’t know, but she was beautiful and great around our little girls. One of her favorite things was popsicles. I loved eating popsicles, so while I lay in bed at night licking my popsicle, I would hang an arm over the bed holding one so she could enjoy hers too. She always had the orange ones because that’s the flavor I liked least. Unfortunately, she was a runner and no matter what we did to keep her in our yard, she found a way out. One day she never returned, yet I swear I saw an older man walking her on a leash not too far from where I lived. She looked happy so I never inquired. I hopefully wanted to believe the old man was her original owner and she had found her way home.
Most people who own dogs have them for the same reason I did, as pets to raise alongside their children or just as friendly companions. Yet, dogs can serve in even greater capacities because they are smart and loyal. Certain breeds of dogs serve as partners with police officers to help apprehend and to track criminals. Bloodhounds are used to help find people lost in the woods or mountains while other dogs work at our borders and airports to sniff for weapons and illegal drugs. Even better, in recent years, dogs have become much needed companions for people with illnesses and/or individuals with disabilities.
Most likely, we are all familiar with dogs who help owners with disabilities whose sight, hearing, or mobility are impaired, but in recent years, we have learned dogs have even more skills than that. Dogs are not just smart and easily trainable, some have shown to have an intrinsic feeling and/or keen sense of smell to know when something dangerous is about to happen. These dogs have become a godsend to individuals with emotional, psychiatric, or medical disabilities. These dogs can alert their owners of oncoming medical issues, help balance those with emotional distress, and most of all, give comfort and furry hugs when no one else is there. It may be cliche, but a dog really is a man’s best friend.
We at CORE are right there with all of you looking for a little warmth and sunshine. Until then, snuggle with your dog or cat or special human to keep warm during this arctic blast.
