I am stumped when I try to understand the true nature of dogs. Is a
pet dog capable of love, or are dogs indiscriminately loyal to anybody
who gives them food and shelter? Dogs are distinctly unique in their
ability to coexist with mankind. Dogs have acquired the ability to
figure out what humans want and give it to us. A dog is ready, willing
and able to be all things to all people. If we need a dog to be a
substitute human with the attributes we require of a friend, dogs can
simulate those qualities with astounding authenticity. Dogs are such
magnificently convincing actors we will never really know if they love
us or not. The secret of dog success is that they don't speak; so they
can never get caught in a lie.

"umo" wrote in message
...
I am stumped when I try to understand the true nature of dogs. Is a
pet dog capable of love, or are dogs indiscriminately loyal to anybody
who gives them food and shelter? Dogs are distinctly unique in their
ability to coexist with mankind. Dogs have acquired the ability to
figure out what humans want and give it to us. A dog is ready, willing
and able to be all things to all people. If we need a dog to be a
substitute human with the attributes we require of a friend, dogs can
simulate those qualities with astounding authenticity. Dogs are such
magnificently convincing actors we will never really know if they love
us or not. The secret of dog success is that they don't speak; so they
can never get caught in a lie.

The question is, then, "What is Love?". I attempted to answer that some
years ago, and I have a short essay on my website that explains my
viewpoints, at least at that time. www.peschoen.com

It is said that God is love, so then maybe Love is God, which is doG for
the dyslexic. And the reverse of Love is evoL, which you can see is one
letter from something bad.

I have heard it said that dogs are very adaptable, and they seek to please
their human benefactors in return for not just food and shelter, but also
physical interaction (petting), and attention. I think a dog's "love" is
just about unconditional, which I believe is the true essence of love in
its highest sense. If one gives love only in response to, or in immediate
expectation of, some kind of reward, it cheapens it. If you love
unconditionally, and simply hope the one who receives your love will "pay
it forward", you will probably be much happier, because you are not
"keeping count", and being disappointed when you don't get a timely return
on your "expenditure". But when you give love, you lose nothing, and you
gain inner peace. So just "let go and let dog".

Paul and Love Muffin Muttley

Well said, Paul. You produced an insightful post that can only be born
of direct experience. Treat Muttley to a doggie biscuit at my request.

Cheers.