by Angela Hope

Created on: May 06, 2008

A dog is so much more than a pet. He/She is a child, a friend, a house-mate, and a plethora of other relationships for the blessed owner. He/she listens without interruption, offers solace and sympathy with facial expression, cheers us up with silly expressive actions and will even physically kiss or hug just by being as close as possible.

When God created man I believe he created his own best friend. We worship and idolize our God as we should do since he is our creator and provider, and so the dog worships and idolizes its owner because he too is the provider.

What many of us are not aware of is the fact that dogs can teach us one of the most precious gifts of all,unconditional love. A dog will not hold a grudge against his owner for making him wait for his dinner or disciplining him to obey simple commands. Instead a dog simply loves him anyway and respect is earned from the relationship of master and student (dog).

At times of feeling down or lonely a dog will always be there for his owner, sitting at his feet in placid devotion ever ready to obey his owner's commands and earn the respect of his owner in return, thus the relationship is established of being best friends.

The excitement of your best friend as you put the key in the lock of the front door will always be a warm welcome that makes your house or where ever you live into a home. Knowing you have someone to come home to that really wants you there and waits the whole day long for your return is the real icing on the cake of owning a dog. His love is a precious commodity that is earned and cannot be easily replaced. The loss of a dog only heightens how much that little being meant to you and it takes a long time to recover from the grief. Of course only time heals the pain and even then it only dulls it. We love our pets the same way we love another human being because in so many ways the relationship is so similar.

The one thing we can be sure of with a dog as a best friend, is that they won't ever stop speaking to us or not forgive us for any trivial thing. They won't ever ask for a divorce and they won't ever be afraid to love you. Not only that, he will be there for you to help with your exercise routine. Eager for walking, ball or Frisbee throwing, and sure to help you with any digging that needs to be done or even some that doesn't need to be done. There is always a willing mouth waiting for any scraps of dinner ensuring our planet is not overburdened with excess waste.

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