Congratulations, your dog is a good person.

One of my first posts a few months back was about how your dog's snoring represents the safe space that you create for those around you. It was a silly post for sure, but a little silliness isn't so bad. Here's a "Part II," mostly because I love dogs. Also because your dog is often an extension of you. Let's explore.

It's a sad truth that some dog breeds are often stereotypically associated with aggressive or unfriendly behavior. Now, I'm no animal expert, but it doesn't require a veterinary degree to acknowledge that dogs - like people - are a reflection of their environment. If they grow up in a loving, safe home - one filled with belly scratches and peanut butter licks from your spoon - chances are, they will be happy, gentle, loving, and loyal. If they live their lives in a cage with little physical affection or any amount of violence or neglect, they will reflect that hurt. Nature vs nurture doesn't just apply to us bipedal creatures.

So if you have a pupper (or many puppers) that brings you joy and comfort and kindness, know that you helped cultivate their reality. Your dog has observed how you react to frustrating circumstances, how you interact with friends, how you celebrate good news. They know when you are feeling sad and may even offer a head nudge or lick on the face to cheer you up. They will bark at the Amazon driver and also at the squirrel fifty feet away, because they want to protect you. They love to love you, as you do them. Your dog is a good person (you know what I mean), because you have offered them a part of your heart - a part of your beautiful being. You offer so much to this world.

You spread goodness simply by being you.