This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf.  Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon (Les AuCoin), as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist.  This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.  I could have called this blog “Middle Ground,” for that is what I long for in both politics and golf.  The middle ground is often where the best public policy decisions lie.  And it is where you want to be on a golf course.

Anyone who knows me knows that this blog headline is true for me.  I am a dog lover.

My wife and I have had two dogs.  The first was a miniature poodle, Hogan, who came to live with us about 20 years ago.

We loved that little guy – and “little” means about 15pounds.  He added a lot to our lives.

When he went to heaven, we traveled to the same poodle breeder near where we live – a reputable breeder by all accounts – and got our second poodle, Callaway.  Hogan was probably his uncle or something along that line.

We have had Callaway for more than six years now, and, like Hogan, he is part of our family.

To think about this issue – humans and dogs – I did what I often do, which is to consult Mr. Google.  Here is what I found.

• Most humans love dogs for a variety of reasons.  Dogs are known for their loyalty, companionship, and affectionate nature, which can bring a sense of joy, comfort, and emotional support to their human companions.  Additionally, dogs are often seen as playful, protective, and can provide a sense of security.

• The “love hormone” oxytocin connects us with our pups.  Dogs and people recognize emotions in members of the other species to the degree that is typically only possible within one’s own species.

• Dogs don’t judge us, answer back or lie to us – in fact, they are the source of comfort that many people crave.  It doesn’t matter who you are, what you look like, or what job you do, as long as you are kind to your dog, he or she will love you.

The latter point grabs me in this sense.  When I come home from the golf course, no matter how I played, Hogan in the past and Callaway in the current love me.  I don’t have to shoot a good round to garner their love; it comes naturally.

This week, my wife, Nancy, also a dog lover, sent me this story — Nine Signs of Love From Your Pup.

Here is a reprint:

Do you ever wonder if your dog could possibly love you as much as you love them?  We have many ways to show our love for dogs, including pets, walks, playtime, and caring for them.  While dogs might not be able to talk to you, they have plenty of ways to show you that they love you.  These nine actions are a good sign that your dog loves you back, and it’s not just a one-sided relationship. 

1. Playing and wrestling with you.  Dogs love to play, and wrestling is their natural way of having fun.  It’s the way that they play with other dogs as well. 
2. Leaning against you.  Dogs love physical attention; when they want more from you, they will lean, nuzzle, or cuddle you for extra love.  It means they feel safe. 
3. Sleeping with you.  Dogs are pack animals and sleep huddled together.  If your dog sleeps near you, it shows that they feel safe and that they care.
4. Cuddling with your belongings.  Dedicated dogs love everything about their humans, including their scent.  They might like to carry around your items and sleep near them.
5. Jumping on you.  While many owners discourage their dogs from jumping up, it is a sign of love.  Your pup is excited that you have returned and is celebrating the moment.
6. Bringing gifts to you.  Dogs will often bring humans their favorite toys to show you that they want to play or share with you.
7. Wagging tails.  The tail isn’t always a sign of happiness, but if the dog is wagging their tail loosely and has comfortable body language, it’s safe to say that they are excited.
8. Holding eye contact.  If dogs are willing to maintain eye contact with you, it’s a sign of trust and love.  Brains release oxytocin when there is maintained eye contact between dogs and humans.
9. Following you around.  Dogs know who is responsible for their food and shelter and will often follow their owners because they love being near you. 
   
   

Few bonds are as close and special – no questions asked – as the one with your dog. 

For my wife and me, Callaway is a special part of our family.

So, find a dog to love and be loved back.