Loving dogs for me is about humility.  How could an animal be so loving and forgiving?  Am I capable of being as present, open, and kind?  Returning the love they give made my life better.  I became more active, happier, more open, more relaxed.  I love dogs because loving them is loving myself.  I consider myself an open-hearted, smart, hard-working person.  I love myself despite my flaws and I’m determined to do the same for them.  I spend my time trying to understand them and help.  They’ve given me so much.