The Short Lives of the Ones Who Love Us Most

People sometimes ask me why I treat my dog with more kindness than I do most people. My honest, simple answer is: “Because he’s going to die 60 years before you will.”

That might sound harsh, but it’s the truth. Dogs don’t get the gift of a long life like we do. Yet in their short time here, they manage to be some of the most loyal, loving, and trustworthy souls on this earth. Maybe that’s why I naturally gravitate more toward canines than felines—cats are beautiful creatures, but they’re far more independent, while dogs wear their hearts on their paws.

Humans… we’re not inherently good. According to the Bible, we’re all sinners. And dogs? They're considered unclean by biblical standards. But to me, that’s perfectly fine. If we can find grace for sinners, then surely we can offer unconditional love to the creatures who love us most, without judgment or condition. In my life, the pain I’ve felt—betrayal, cruelty, neglect—has always come from people. From humans. Yet in my darkest hours, when even words failed, it was dogs who sat beside me in quiet companionship.

Knowing their time with us is so short, I treat my dogs like my children. I’ve never believed in cages—I wouldn’t lock up someone I love. I keep them loose in the house, and if they’ve earned my trust, I let them walk beside me leash-free. Respect goes both ways, even with animals.

Dogs truly are remarkable. There’s a reason they’ve earned the title “man’s best friend.” Because sometimes, when people fail us, it’s our dogs who remind us what love is supposed to look like.