James Etheridge

The love of a dog is unconditional. No matter what we do or how bad we screw up, they love us still. The love of a dog is not judgmental. They are blissfully unaware of our faults, quirks and failures. We can have the worst day possible at work, be written up, reprimanded, even fired and they greet you at the door, quivering and barking with excitement, ecstatically happy that we are home.

The love of a dog understands fear and sorrow. When we are sad, they know it. They pick up on it and comfort us, often refusing to leave our side. They know when we are afraid, willing to place themselves between us and danger, willing to sacrifice themselves to protect us.

The love of a dog understands joy and affection. They know when we are happy, often sharing in our joy with us. They know and appreciate the affection and attention we give them and reciprocate. They want us to touch them and they want to touch us, whether sleeping next to us or simply snuggled up beside us, happy that we are together. If they feel we are not paying them enough attention, they will let us know by rubbing up against us, pawing at us, even getting our attention with a bark.

The love of a dog does not understand separation. Whether within sight or away, they will sit at the window or door, watching us, sometimes crying or barking until we are back with them. Their acute sense of hearing can pick up and identify the sound of our vehicle and know we are near before they see us turning into the driveway. They will reluctantly stay in the house when we are going out and be at the door to greet us when we return. They watch us leave them at the kennels when we are going on an extended trip, not knowing when or if we will return.

The love of a dog is faithful. They will follow us wherever we go, sometimes behind us, other times in front of us, turning their head constantly to make sure we are still behind them.

As humans, it is our responsibility to be deserving of the love of a dog. We must not abuse that love. We are the only ones that can jeopardize a dog’s love for us. A dog will not suddenly or over time decide that they do not like us. It is our responsibility to love them as they love us, to nurture them, protect them, shelter them, feed them and provide for them. It is our responsibility to exercise them when they are healthy and care for them when they are sick. It is our responsibility to ensure that they do not suffer at end of life, no matter how badly it hurts us to say goodbye.

There is no other love like the love of a dog. As humans, it is our duty to be worthy of that love. There is none in the world that can match it.

Godspeed, Roscoe. I only hope I showed you the love that you showed us. You were and always will be a Damn Good Dog. I will see you on The Bridge. Love always. Daddy.

10/1/12 – 3/7/25