Over the past 27 years, my family has had 8 dogs: Rudy (shar-pei), Sassy (shar-pei), Phil (chihuahua), Peri (shar-pei), Bolt (Boston terrier), Lucy (French bulldog), Honey (French bulldog), and Dozer (French bulldog). All but Lucy, Honey, and Dozer have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and each holds a special place in our hearts. Lucy, Honey, and Dozer start a new chapter for my family, a French bulldog breeding business called Bluecairo Frenchies, French bulldogs that really want to be your pet. Our first litter is due on August 20th.
It’s hard to imagine a life without dogs. They embody unconditional love. Their affection has no boundary. Their love does not come with any strings attached. They can teach us, humans, a thing or two about empathy.
Ever since our children were born, they’ve had dogs around. I believe the dogs offered the kids unconditional acceptance, companionship, and emotional attachment that they don’t get from friends. Also, because the kids have such a close relationship with the dogs, its made our relationship much stronger too. As a family, we share our feelings and affections freely and openly.
It’s been proven that just hanging out with a dog increases levels of oxytocin in our brains. Oxytocin acts as a chemical messenger and has been shown to be important in human behaviors including recognition, trust, and mother-infant bonding. As a result, oxytocin has been called the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical.” This may explain why my kids claim the dogs are more supportive and empathetic at times.
Dogs are not judgmental too. You don’t have to justify why you don’t feel like working out or worry that they don’t think you’re cool. They love you just because you’re you, and they just want to be in your presence.
If you really think about it, dogs are servant leaders. Their motives are pure, to love and be loved. That, in fact, is also their purpose in life, to love their humans and let their humans love them. Plain and simple, they are here to serve and love. Frankly, that’s not unlike our purpose too, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. Love God, love people.
My hope is that through Bluecairo Frenchies, my family can serve loving families with loving Frenchies and share the love our dogs have nurtured in us for over three decades. It’s hard to imagine life without them.
MindWolves 