The bond between a dog and her girl is unconditional love, both ways, yet the girl (human) has often been conditioned to fear love and block its reception from other humans. Dogs are a tangible representation and pathway towards higher love for those of use who have trust and love wounds. A dog is the softness that allows the hardened to let love in.
* I say “dog” throughout this post, but I really mean all animals.
Those of us with a “not enough” wound may feel unsafe to receive love, because they feel unworthy of it.
The unconscious may go something like:
“If I was enough, they (my parents, caregivers, etc) would love me and be happy. They can’t love me until I have proved that I am enough.”
Personally, this belief was so buried in me that, despite all the work I’ve done, it took another painful parting of ways and the consolation of another guy I once loved, who can annoying read my wounds better than I can, and also hold space in friendship form. That, driving through Arches National Park while listening to a Spotify “healing + cleansing frequencies” playlist, and attempting to be simply curious about my “never enough” part without trying go change it or get rid of it. Just “curiosity and compassion”, as I tell my clients, yet don’t practice nearly enough myself.
This type of belief won’t be accessible through the logical mind. The subconscious mind was developed in childhood, where event’s and parent’s behavior and emotions were extensions of the self (egocentric). This is how the innocent make sense of trying to understand any act out of accordance with love.
Because dogs* are not human- we know they are non-judgers- it’s easier for most people who otherwise feel undeserving or unworthy of love to receive it from them (or, really, any animal).
From there, we must take the lesson from our beloved dog further. We must understand that our minds created a largely distorted reality based on fear, while dogs know the sacred truth. The love we received from a dog must be slowly extended in the form of trust. First, to trust in the dog’s wisdom and knowing that we are deserving of love. Second, to have the bravery to allow another human to love us. This can be slow. Love and trust are patient for those who have been wounded. And yet, even if the trust with one person falls through, we can go back to the first trust, or dog commandement: You are worthy of Love.
A Dog and Her Girl 