Dogs are the absolute best

The more time I spend with Hetty, our cockapoo, the more convinced I am that dogs are the absolute best species. They are literally furry angels sent to bring joy to humans.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t always like dogs. I used to be scared of them and was also a germophobe and worried about the hygiene. Very gradually, I got to like them until I knew I wanted my own dog.

Before we got Hetty, I just liked dogs that looked cute – basically all the doodles – cockapoos, cavapoos and labradoodles. I wasn’t even that keen on cocker spaniels or poodles – the ingredients which make up the magic of a cockapoo.

But I now I love pretty much all dogs, whatever they look like, because I see their beautiful mannerisms, which are shared by every dog from a chihuahua to a great dane. I would like to hug every dog I see (obviously I don’t) and I always say hello to them.

On holiday this summer, we spent the first few days without Hetty (she was at home with the kids). It was strange being in Cornwall where every single couple (it was couples more than families as it was before the school holidays) had a dog and we didn’t have our faithful friend. But seeing all those other dogs brought me joy.

 

When Hetty sniffs something she particularly likes the smell of, she lifts one of her front paws. I saw other dogs doing this on the beach and in the countryside. I saw dogs spinning in excited circles waiting for their owner to throw a ball. I saw dogs climbing up at their owners outside coffee shops, desperate to be picked up. I saw dogs crying outside shops with one owner while they waited for their other owner to come back.

All these mannerisms are just like Hetty and they are so sweet and funny and full of joy and love.

Dogs have an endless capacity to love and be loved. That is all they want from life. Nothing gives me more joy every day than when I get up in the morning and Hetty runs into our room to lie on the bed next to my husband. She will stay there until he gets up because she loves it and she loves him. It is truly beautiful to see.

Dogs don’t judge people. They don’t have bad moods. They will love you and want to be with you unconditionally, whatever you look like and whether you are happy or sad.

Dogs are the absolute best and we humans are very lucky to have them in our lives.