Second that Emotion The question of emotions in animals is a difficult one.  Even in humans, there is little agreement in how emotion works, or even, what emotion is.  Until recently most scientists believed animals responded mechanically to whatever stimuli they were confronted with. Today many scientists are accepting that animals do indeed experience emotions and there is increasing evidence that birds, reptiles and fish experience some kind of emotional activity as well.  For the pet owner, it seems obvious.  Of course your animal loves you, you see it in its eyes. Within the past 20 years, dogs have evolved from backyard protectors to bedroom blanket-stealers.  Their roles have changed from skilled hunters to cherished companions.   Do dogs really love us?  Despite the lack of a common language, it sure seems like dogs are capable of conveying love to us.  When you think about it, all the really important things in life can’t be measured scientifically, such as joy, loyalty and happiness.  I say if anybody loves us, certainly our dogs do. Some believe that a dog’s love is the most pure form there is.  When you come home, the dog greets you with a wagging tail and is truly happy to see you.  She doesn’t want to go out or be fed, just wants to be with you, no attachments, no expectations.  They live in the moment, the present.  They don’t worry about the past or fear the future.  Because dogs are more cued to nonverbal communication like body posturing, facial expressions, voice tones and odor, they are more honest in their reactions and displays of affection.  Dogs don’t fake love.  The real question is do we love our dogs as deeply as they do us?   How many people leave their dogs versus how many dogs leave their people? And dogs don’t judge anyone.  If you are bald or overweight, it doesn’t matter to a dog.  They don’t care what car you drive or what job you have.  If we could love like dogs, we could experience the ultimate in what many religions speak of, unconditional love.