It was Valentine's Day yesterday, and I have been reflecting a lot on how we can show love during this time that feels so destabilizing. The world is so overwhelming. It's easy to feel that we are powerless and our actions don't matter. 

And yet, there is still so much power in the choices we make every day. 

I can make the choice to push through my resistance to exercise and prioritize my health. 

I can make the choice, when I have a million other things I should do, to sit with my sick child, give them sips of water, and reassure them. 

I can make the choice to reach out to friends and family to check in. 

I think it is especially important with our dogs and other companion animals that we are intentional in our acts of love, because they don't have a lot of agency in their lives. Of course I love my family, friends, my dog - don't we all? But saying that is not enough.

Our dogs don't get to choose what they eat, and when. The don't get to choose when they go outside, for how long, and where. Who or what they do or don't interact with, have access to, or are exposed to. Whether their environment feels safe and comfortable, or harsh, scary, and unpredictable.

So I make the choice to take my dog Charlie on his slowww morning sniffy walks. To turn on his electric blanket and set up cozy napping spots throughout the house before I leave for work. To make him his licky mats and puzzle boxes in the evening. To refill the snuffle mat when he asks. To feed him fresh food that helps his skin and coat stay healthy. To get on the floor and toss stuffies when he shows interest. To respond to every bid for snuggles and affection. To open the door when he asks to go out. And so on (I'm sure you have your own list :). I try every day to show my love for Charlie through my actions as best as I can. 

A day to celebrate love is a great day to remember to choose love - not just in our intentions, but in the tangible actions we take every day. It's those, small everyday actions that make up our lives, our dogs' lives, that in the end, really do mean everything. 

Sending love to you and yours!