In honor of the month of love, I asked my animals a fitting question: “What is love?” Here are their responses, just in time for Valentine’s Day on Thursday:
Luca, 8-year-old poodle: “Love is a wonderful feeling that allows you to be happy when there are difficult things happening. It’s like sunshine all the time. It is also what you have for yourself.”
Felix, 8-year-old Chihuahua mix: “Love is a mystery that flows through all things. It is what brings rescue animals to their people and wild animals to safety during a fire. It is a spirit rising within you.”
Easter, 5-year-old Chihuahua: “Love is cuddles and songs that people sing to you. Love is a good meal and being happy for no reason. Love is when you smell good and people like to kiss you.”
Seamora, 29-year-old macaw: “Love is when I share my food with the wild birds and let them bathe in the fountain before me. Love is definitely music and the sound of the wind through the trees. Love is awesome. If you think you don’t have it, you are wrong. It’s everywhere — you just have to notice it.”
Clyde, 4-year-old Flemish Giant rabbit: “Love is the energy that helps you manifest what you want. Love is being grateful. It is carrot tops and lots of friends. It’s when my mom laughs at me for being naughty instead of scolding me. It’s also when she takes the time to explain why she needs me to be good. Love is clear communication and patience. It is also enjoying a ripe banana.”
Jubilee, 8-year-old Appaloosa warmblood: “Love is having a best friend you can trust in all situations. If you get it wrong, they may get it right. Love is knowing yourself and being brave enough to trust others even if someone has hurt you in the past. Love is jumping over tree limbs in the snow. Love is someone taking the time to scratch your butt with a rake even though their own back is sore.”
Hudson, almost 4-year-old German shepherd: “Love is traveling through the universe to find someone you love deeply. Love is being grateful for what is around you. Love is much more than you think it is. It’s what all things wonderful are created from. I also want to say love is chasing deer and squirrels, but my mom won’t like that one … Mom said it may be the speed and sense of direct focus I like. Ohh love is morning snuggles in bed. Those are the best.”
Laura Stinchfield is an Ojai-based pet psychic. Her column runs Wednesdays in the Pets section. Email her at laura@thepetpsychic.com or go to thepetpsychic.com.
