Dogs are great, don’t get me wrong.  But I’m beginning to wonder what a person in this town does without a dog.

Almost everyone out walking has at least one dog on a leash and many times two or three.  The dog walkers always stop and talk to each other, admiring each other’s dogs and sharing stories.  They congregate in the middle of the sidewalk which requires a person without a dog to leave the sidewalk in order to make their way around them.  Dogs accompany their owners into stores and attention to the dog is paramount – much more important than being aware of other humans who are shopping.

It is certain that a dog is “man’s best friend,” but I’m beginning to wonder if our love for dogs has begun to interfere with our love for each other.  Pets do love us with an unconditional and faithful love, there is no doubt.  But, lost in our love for our pets, have we forgotten how to love our fellow human beings with unconditional and faithful love?  It is a question I’ve been asking myself lately.  And it has caused me to make an effort to greet and speak to dog owners that I meet while walking.  Of course our conversation is about the dog – but, who knows, maybe some day one of us will make a comment about something else.  It’s worth a try for a moment of grace.