I have been doing a lot of research about love recently – looking at theories that try to quantify the unquantifiable – how can love be defined within the construct of romantic relationships. However hard psychologists try to pin down one of the greatest feelings on earth, I firmly believe our experiences of romantic love are unique to our own relationships.

With Valentines Day just around the corner, it’s made me wonder whether the love we have for our dogs is as unique as the love we feel in our romantic relationships, or do we share more common ground than we think?

The unspoken bond between dog owners is so powerful that it creates connections between strangers in parks making them stop and chat about their dogs’ habits, haircuts and unruly behavior. So what is it that unites us in this deep feeling of love for our dogs?

Is it that we have all spent too much time staring into our dogs eyes, whilst they stare back at us lovingly? Research has shown that both dogs and owners release a whole lot more oxytocin (the love hormone) looking at each other than when we look elsewhere, creating a reciprocal loop of affection. What a fabulous bonus that the feeling of love just gets better with time. (Partners take note…)

Our dogs provide us with a safe space of no judgement, unless of course you’ve just eaten the last biscuit! Let’s face it though, sometimes it’s just easier to be with our dog than it is to be with our partner, we get quiet time and cuddles, and they get tummy rubs and treats. (Partners take note…)

Emotions run deep – up, down, inside-out and sometimes I am not even sure where I am. Dogs are known to reduce stress, act as emotional anchors and provide much needed comfort at times of upheaval. What do you say at times like this? Sometimes it’s just about being present and quiet. (Partners take note…)

Dogs help us live in the moment and practice mindfulness. Seeing my dog run along the beach, or roll in the snow provided me with a huge sense of joy. Appreciating the simple things in life, like our dogs do, reminds us that life doesn’t have to be elaborate for us to enjoy it. (Partners take note…)

When I am on a dog photoshoot, I’m always blown away by how much my clients love their dogs. It’s beautiful. And then on top of that, there is the love between my clients, whether they are a couple or a family. I never have to ask my clients to smile for their portraits with their dogs, because they already are.

I know Valentines Day has a bit of a bad rep – cheesy, forced and commercial – but I love the idea of celebrating love. When else do we stop and think about this great gift we are blessed with? So I am all for marking the moment with a photograph (or even a photoshoot!) so we can capture the joy we feel and remember it forever.

Xxx

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