If you have ever had an dog for a pet, I think that you will agree that they have an ability to make us nicer people.  This is because they give us unconditional love which has the power to change our behavior for the better. The word humane is about showing compassion or benevolence.  We all benefit when we think humanely. Our dogs can show us how to do this.

An example of our pets and their ability to be sympathetic toward us is when we are ill.  My dogs never leave my side when I am sick. When a close relative of mine, who had diabetes, went into a diabetic coma, she was dog-sitting.  Since she lived alone and had seen no one for a couple of days when this happened, she died. The dogs she was sitting for, stayed right by her side.  When the woman came to pick up her dogs, that is how she found them. At least she wasn’t alone. The dogs knew instinctively that it was important to be with her.

Our canine companions can make us laugh.  Laughter can be an antidote for pain and sadness.  No matter what happens, a bit of levity can help the situation most of the time.  Dogs just bring joy into our lives.

Dogs can be taught to do many beneficial things for people.  Working dogs do much more than herding sheep. They can be taught to do many jobs that help people. They are even trained to help people with disabilities and illnesses so that these individuals can live independently. Police dogs are there for their partners and form unbreakable bonds with them. There are many ways that dogs enrich people’s lives.

Of course, not all dogs are like this.  Dogs can also be taught or even bred to be mean.  Or if they are ill, afraid, possessive, protective, frustrated or threatened by another dog or a person  they can display threatening behavior. While temperments of dogs can differ, most dogs are not like that.  Always be aware and ask the owner before approaching or petting a dog.

Now my experience is limited.  I find a lot of my information through research and the people around me, friends and family.  However, I can tell you this. My dogs have made me a better person. They love me and I love them.  I think that they have made me more caring. They have made me more humane.