The Love of a Special Dog: Why They Steal Our Hearts

There’s something about the way dogs love us that’s truly unique. They give us everything, asking for nothing in return. They always seem to know when a child needs a cuddle or when someone in the family could use a little extra comfort. The love they offer is pure, unconditional, and unspoken, and as the famous quote says:
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

If you’ve ever had the privilege of having that special dog in your life, you understand the profound impact they can have. You are lucky—blessed, even—because that kind of love is rare and beautiful. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had many of those special dogs. And as much as I love them, I’ve also learned that the hardest part is always saying goodbye.

The Unbreakable Bond Between a Child and Their Dog

When you have young children and dogs in your life, it’s a unique dynamic. Dogs aren't just pets; they become family members who share in the joy, the chaos, and the love of everyday life. But when they pass, the loss is felt even deeper—especially when your children have grown so attached. They don’t just love their dogs; they need them. They rely on the unconditional comfort and companionship that only a dog can give.

I often think about our Rascals, the special dogs who came before. She was my heart long before I became a wife or mother. She helped us welcome two of our three children into the world. Her love was woven into the fabric of our lives, and her presence was a constant source of joy, comfort, and loyalty. Losing her was heartbreaking, but her memory lives on in the way I raise my children and in the love we all share for our dogs.

A Love That Transcends Time

Looking at this picture of our son with his dog—and my husband with his girl—captures the essence of what dogs mean to us. This image says it all: the unspoken bond between a child and their dog is a love that can’t be put into words. It’s a quiet, steady kind of love that grows over time. The look on our son's face in this picture is one I will treasure forever. It’s the love of a child for their dog, and the love of a dog for their human, pure and simple.

This is why we have those special dogs. They become more than just animals in our lives—they become guardians, companions, and best friends. They are there through every moment of joy and every challenge, offering their love freely, without expectation. When you find that special dog who loves you more than you could ever imagine, it’s a gift that stays with you forever.

The Healing Power of a Dog

And then there’s the healing. A dog’s love is unlike any other. When you're hurting, when you need comfort, when you feel like the world is too much to bear, a dog is there—always. Their presence alone can calm your spirit. I think about all the moments when our dogs have been the ones to lift our family up. They know when we need them, and they are there to provide that unwavering support and affection.

Losing a dog is always difficult, but the love they give stays with you forever. The memories, the laughter, the cuddles—they never truly leave. As time goes on, you heal, but the place your dog held in your heart remains eternal.

In future posts, I’ll be sharing more about the love we’ve had for our dogs over the years, including a special tribute to the girl I loved before I had a family, and how her love helped shape the person I am today.

For now, I’ll leave you with this: the love between a dog and their family is something that can’t be described with words alone. It’s something you feel in your heart, a bond that’s deeper than anything you could ever imagine. And that’s why we have those special dogs—because they are the ones who love us through it all.