The Value of Love

“Human Woman, what are you doing?” Finn asked, nose tipped up, scenting the air.

“Making a candle,” she answered

“What is that smell? Fruity.”

“It’s Smitten Kitten. And yes, it’s fruity. Valentine’s Day is coming up and this is always a popular fragrance.”

“What’s Valentine’s Day?”

“It’s the day we show our love for the special people in our lives.”

He stopped sniffing the air and sat down, hind legs sticking out in typical corgi fashion. His eyes bored into hers, liquid chocolate in their intensity.

“A single day? For celebrating love?”

“Yes,” she smiled down at him, knowing there was more to that question.

“Interesting.”

“How so?” she poured the hot wax into the container and glanced at him again as she set the pot aside.

“Dogs celebrate love every single day, not just one single day. Why do humans limit themselves?”

She looked at him, he looked back at her. “You’re right, Finnie. We should be excited about love every single day. We should give roses and chocolate and…”

“Cookies,” he interjected. “Cookies are always a good way to show your love. And belly rubs.”

“Yes. Cookies and belly rubs every single day.”

“Damn straight, Human Woman. Dogs don’t put love up on a pedestal. We live love. We lap it up like water and treats. It’s part of our daily diet. Why do humans separate it out from their daily lives? Why don’t they just live it even if it’s not romantic love? Why don’t you celebrate all types of love?”

So many questions! She plunked down on the floor in front of him, “Want a belly rub?”

“See how easy that was?” he wet-nosed her outstretched hand before rolling over onto his back.

As she sat there, thinking about it, she wondered why it was always romantic love that got the party, the attention, the spotlight. Why not all types of love? Finn’s hind leg thumped softly on the linoleum. She grinned.

He’s right, she thought, if we could make each other this happy every single day, just by showing a little love, we wouldn’t need to be told we were special on just one single day. We would simply live love, breathe it in as automatically as we breathe air. It would be part and parcel of our lives, no matter what kind of love or where it came from.

 And then she understood what Valentine’s Day could never teach, that the special attention, the excitement, and the pretty treats are great, but the consistent heart, during all of the ups and downs of life, is greater.

"Hey Finn," she whispered.

"Hmm?"

"Want a cookie?"

"I love you, too, Human Woman. I love you, too."