Chapter 02
The term “Puppy Love” normally refers to a person’s first crush on the girl or guy that lives down the street. Paul Anka even sang about it in his 1960 hit by the same name. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, greeting card companies are in overdrive mass producing cards for classmates to hand out to one other, capitalizing on the puppy love that we all feel at some point in our lives.
For me though, the term puppy love has always been synonymous with four paws, a wet tongue and a wagging tail. While the first type is important, the special relationship you have with your dog, especially when they are young, is equally as special and should be celebrated.
E.B. White, author of the popular children’s book Charlotte’s Web, once said, “A really companionable and indispensable dog is an accident of nature. You can’t get it by breeding for it, and you can’t buy it with money. It just happens along.”
That is certainly true of my three-month-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy, Gabe. He came to live with me about six weeks ago and he has already become an indispensable companion. While nothing could ever replace my other dog, Molly, who passed away at the age of 18 in July of 2021, Gabe has certainly filled the void she left.
Gabe does this in many ways. He runs to greet me anytime I am leaving for or getting home from work, leaping in the van to give my face and ears a bath with his tongue. Gabe’s excitement makes me feel like the most important person in the world. To him, I just may be.
Gabe is an outside dog, but his favorite thing is when he comes in to play or for snuggles on my bed. My cats, Poirot and Peaches have begrudgingly learned to wait their turns. After working (most of) the excess puppy energy off, Gabe will take his favorite chew toy and roll over on his back for belly rubs. As Gabe waves his four paws in the air in pure ecstasy, I too am rewarded with all the affection he gives back to me. That’s what I call puppy love.
What is the best way to tell your indispensable companion thank you for this puppy love during this Valentine’s Day season? After all, chocolate is harmful for dogs and if your dog is anything like Gabe, they will probably just destroy flowers. Arin’s Good Girl Dog Treats has the perfect solution to that dilemma. The Valentine’s Day Hugs & Kisses pack contains a large 6" bone baked in the bestseller pumpkin peanut butter recipe or cheese and bacon. No matter the flavor, however, I’m sure your dog will thank you for the special treat in the best way possible, with even more puppy love.
Happy Valentine’s Day everybody!
