The Power of the Dog

The way they look at you, like you are the centre of their world; the loyalty they inspire without question; the occasional rebellious moment when they can’t resist stealing a treat or submitting to their instincts and chasing a squirrel or bird, regardless of the futility of the chase and you calling their name; the feel of their coat between your fingers after a long day as they rest their heads on your lap to soothe and calm your frayed nerves.

All these things and so much more. They are special. They are pure. They reflect the very best parts of us.

“Dogs don’t know what they look like. Dogs don’t even know what size they are. No doubt it’s our fault, for breeding them into such weird shapes and sizes. My brother’s dachshund, standing tall at eight inches, would attack a Great Dane in the full conviction that she could tear it apart. When a little dog is assaulting its ankles the big dog often stands there looking confused — “Should I eat it? Will it eat me? I am bigger than it, aren’t I?” But then the Great Dane will come and try to sit in your lap and mash you flat, under the impression that it is a Peke-a-poo.” - Ursula K. LeGuin, 1929.