There are numerous examples of symbiotic relationships in the animal kingdom.
It is amazing how different species of animals can benefit each other. Perhaps the most wonderful of these is the relationship between humans and dogs. Numerous studies have shown how this benefits humans. Many of the points that I will make relate to owning any kind of pet, but my own experience has primarily been with dog ownership.
The fact of the matter is that people who own pets are happier and healthier. This goes far beyond the fact that the need to take our dogs for walks forces us to get exercise. Just being with a pet reduces blood pressure, cholesterol levels and stress levels. In our age of technology, our animals teach us empathy, and studies have shown that children who own pets are more self-confident.
There is something about the presence of a dog. When a dog enters a school, the children are drawn to it. Suddenly everyone feels good, everyone is smiling and laughing. This is not only the case with children, however. Dogs have been used therapeutically to bring more joy into the lives of adults, and they do an amazing job.
Though many of us lead busy lives, our dogs are always happy when we come home. They do not say, Where have you been all day? Dont you know how hungry I am? They say, Youre home! It is so awesome to see you!
It has been said that God gave us dogs to teach us the meaning of unconditional love. If we think about this, it makes a great deal of sense. Perhaps the reason why we love our dogs so much is because they never judge us, they always forgive us and they are always happy to see us. Are these not also qualities of the Divine? Though dogs do not understand the words that we say, they understand our emotions. Regardless of how we feel or why we feel that way, they are happy to simply be present. We dont need to hear anything from them, we know that they love us, and that brings us peace.
If anything, it is we who are unworthy of the love of our pets give to us. Our dogs challenge us to live up to their high opinions of us. Of course, we need to teach our dogs their proper places in our homes, but learning to be a responsible dog owner is an important part of our own growth. If we listen to what our dogs are teaching us, we find that the lessons are invaluable.
Though dogs are silly, slobbering animals who chew up our shoes and make horrible messes, they teach us amazing lessons about life and bring us great joy. Dogs make the world better without even trying. Maybe we need to embrace the lessons they are teaching by simply accepting each other, forgiving each other and enjoying every moment that we have together.
