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There are all different kinds of love. Romantic love, a mother's love, first love and true love are just a few.

When I see people interact with their pooches or watch the way their faces light up when they talk about their furry friends, I have no doubt that "puppy love" is the greatest of all loves.

Those of us who know dogs are no strangers to their endless capacity to give unconditional love. A dog's affection emanates from the core without judgment or expectations. Even when hurt, the big-hearted hound has the infinite ability to forgive the offender whether it be human or otherwise. I often joke that the only reason why dogs and cats get along is because Fido is willing to put up with and love the cat in spite of those unpredictable doses of clawing meanness that the kitty is known to dish out. The bottom line is that the majority of our cold-nosed canines possess warm hearts that promote world peace.

At the same time, dogs have the magical ability to bring out the best in the people they encounter. History is filled with stories about how the most horrible humans have been softened in the presence of their dogs. This holds true today in the example of the American prison system. Evidence is mounting that suggests that even the most hardened criminals are melted by the dogs they are partnered with in canine-assistance training programs.

For me, I know that the love I feel for my dog is often so intense that it seems as though my heart might burst like a piñata spilling sweets. On my keychain I carry a photo of my dog wearing a silly red feather boa around her neck. It is my emergency reminder to "lighten up" when the seriousness of life gets too intense. A glimpse of this photo instantly puts a smile on my face and immediately dissipates negativity.

I have come to realize that the reciprocal feelings of love that my dog and I share do not begin and end with our special bond. Through the years, my dogs have taught me an even greater lesson about love. As models for affection, they have taught me to expand my love outwardly in a world where community and fellowship seem to have withered on the vine and have become replaced by the buds of violence and hatred.

A lifetime of observing the dog's willingness to love everyone has taught me that sometimes it feels really good to extend a simple "hello" to a stranger. And, the gentle comfort that my dog had offered me in my moments of strife has inspired me to foster worldly love by engaging in random acts of kindness.

Although Valentine's Day is traditionally a day to celebrate those we love most, I challenge my readers to have the heart of a hound on Thursday and live a dog's life by offering puppy love to every person they encounter.

Wags,

Tracie

TRACIE LALIBERTE-BAILEY of Attleboro believes that dogs can teach people how to be better humans. She is pursuing a doctoral degree on the human-canine bond. You can contact her with any dog-related questions at tracie@dogpawse.com.