The Canine Connection

I have always wondered what makes dogs so lovable. What is it about a dog that makes it man's best friend? The breeds of pet dogs may vary from the rich to the poor but the reasoning given by most people is the same. They say a dog is very faithful to you and remains by your side throughout its life. There is certainly no doubt about that. But is it that simple?
I have always been very fond of animals, especially dogs. Very often I wonder whether the pet needs the man more or is it the other way around. A man who has picked up a stray from the street and takes care of it providing food and shelter might feel he's done a favor on the little unprotected thing that could easily have been trampled by a speeding truck. But why is this poor thing so very often a dog? Why not a poor person without shelter and food? My understanding to this is that there is a definite connection between man and the canines. We just love this species. We love these four legged creatures which follow us when we walk, which somehow manage to relate to your feelings without uttering a word and without fail are the first to reach the door when you come back from work.
People who haven't kept pets find it 'amusing' how a family grieves the death of a pet. Its like losing a child for the grown ups and like losing his best friend for a kid. I have experienced both these feelings. As a kid, when a neighbour broke my adopted stray friend's leg while reversing his car, I kind of developed a huge hatred for him even as a kid. The poor thing had to go because the injury was very severe. When another of my pets, Zen passed away, the absence of the four legs made home look so dull. When you ring the bell and suddenly when there's noone to greet you with wild celebration that you've got used to, that's the time you truly realize the importance of that little creature.
Dogs don't take much time to judge you. Either they like you instantly, or you are a reject straightaway. I still don't understand why one of my pets doesn't like the subziwali's loud voice and the other which can still not tolerate just one of the servants at my nani's place. In that little head, they have a big enough brain to form opinions about people it seems. You simply can't give a dog a bath or touch its tail if it doesn't like you.
Another thing, you may be possessive about your pets but they are much more possessive about you. They just don't like other people getting closer to them and diverting the owner's attention from them. The best thing about dogs and the biggest difference between them and humans (according to me) is that they never crib. They might be a little choosy when it comes to food but you won't see a dog giving you a dirty stare because of that. They are surely among the most adjusting species known. Humans should actually learn to stay happy from animals. Alas, little pretty things in life don't seem to satisfy us smarter beings.
This blog is actually dedicated to all my canine friends with whom I've shared a relation which I can never express entirely. Thank you friends for all the energy you brought into my life and the immeasurable sweetness that I'll always cherish.