The only love money can buy

"Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made."- Roger Caras

During his life Roger Caras was host of the televised Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. And he knew what he was talking about. Caras was also the originator of the quote: "Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole."

Dogs are the epitome of unconditional love. It is impossible for a normal human being to miss it. Your dog is overjoyed to see you - every single time you return. Even if you just took out the trash. Your dog always thinks you're right. Your dog is never angry with you. And those eyes look up at you with adoration and trust every single time.

Spending time with your dog is good for everybody. Petting a dog is shown to decrease stress levels and blood pressure in people. And if you spend some time training your dog - just five minutes at a time, learning useful behaviors, just interacting, or teaching "tricks," your dog's "vocabulary" will increase, he'll become a better dog just by knowing what behaviors earn a treat or a "good dog!"

A box of chocolates is a really horrible idea for a dog - aside from the mess the dog would make, chocolate is toxic to dogs.

You can treat your four-legged friend to a new, delicious, long-lasting Himalayan Chew! These treats have only four ingredients: Yak's Milk, Cow's Milk, Lime Juice and Salt. Himalayan Chews are available in three sizes - delicious for any dog.

I know that jewelry on dogs is silly. But an I.D. tag is essential, and there's no reason you can't wear your heart on your dog's collar! If your dog is your little love bug - why not show it?

Most of us would do absolutely anything to get our dogs back if they got loose. Why not make it easy for the Good Samaritan who corrals your dog to find you? Be sure to use your cell phone number, not your home phone, on the dog's tag. The last place you'll want to be is sitting at home if your dog is lost!

We know that you're the number one love of your dog's life. No doubt. No question. No runners-up.

Except for that Tennis Ball. I do think dogs are wonderful - but I also know most of them are ball-obsessed. The best way to express your love for your dog may be to indulge her in a rousing game of fetch with a brand new, Squeaky Tennis Ball.

stop jumping. stop pulling. stay with me. stop barking. do some tricks.

Whatever you'd like your dog to do that she doesn't, or stop doing that she does, you can teach her!

The Clicker Training Kit will show you how, in just a few minutes every day, you'll have the dog you dreamed of. And your dog will love that special "mommy and me" time! (Okay, daddies can play, too.)

Give both of you this gift. It will keep giving through all the lives of all the dogs you're lucky enough to share your life with.

While I do believe that the world would be a better place if everyone had the opportunity to experience the unconditional love that dogs bring to our lives, I also understand that not everyone is in a position to have a dog.

Because they are social animals, and thrive on being with their families, people whose busy lives keep them away from home more than eight to ten hours a day really shouldn't have a dog. And dogs should never be an impulse-purchase - the commitment of time and expense should be carefully considered before adding a dog to the family. Too many cute puppies, purchased on a whim, wind up neglected, abandoned, or left at animal shelters.