Those who don't own dogs, especially those who have never owned a dog, can't understand the attachment and love shared between a person and their canine. This connection, this unconditional love, is given by a wonderful creature whose very existence shows us how lacking we are.

But why?

Our dogs are there with us always. They are witness to our ups and downs. All our joys and sorrows are experienced by the fuzzy ball who likes to be with us. They want to share our emotional roller coaster, to offer support and care. They are happy to be with us in the morning. Even happier when we return after a long day at work. And, probably happiest when they can cuddle up with you when you watch television, or lay against you in the bed. Their joy in a car ride or walk down the street allows us to discover the wonders of the world all over again through our dog. They not only see us, but see us for who we really are.

They long for a pat or scratch. The mere contact between us and them is a drug that satisfies them like nothing else. That's one thing that separates man from dog. We crave material things. We have to work to earn money to afford those things which define us. Dogs work (many love to have jobs) to be noticed and for the touch. Everything they want is free. And, when we give our dogs what they need, we always have more we can give them. What they give back is priceless.

Now, of course, not everything is free. You must make sure they are healthy and fed. Veterinarians and food can sometimes be expensive. But, your dog has no comprehension of that.

Feed me, pet me, throw the ball, nap, repeat. That defines a dog.

I have often told people, never trust a person your dog doesn't like.

Will Rogers said, "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."

I have the luxury of four dogs at home. All of them vie for my attention whenever I walk in the door. No matter what kind of mood I'm in, or what kind of awful day I've had, I can't help but smile when their absolute joy surrounds me. They affect my wife the same way and we always comment on how much better our lives are with our dogs in them.

Owning a dog is a commitment. It is like wedding vows. From the dog they would say, "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, until death do us part." You should vow to be their provider, keeping them healthy, fed, and safe. Yours is the easy part. But, shelters show that often we are found lacking. Dogs never take their owners to a facility and drop them off because they didn't perform they way they thought we should.

They're better than us.