Love in the fur degree
If you’ve been following my articles, this being the fifth, you might assume I’ve grown jaded by love. Let me be clear: I haven’t. I remain open to the possibility of finding a man with whom I can share the rest of my life—someone who will care for me as deeply as I will care for him.
But for those who don’t know me yet, consider this my hard launch. I’ve already found someone. Someone who shares quiet nights with me, who watches movies by my side, who gazes lovingly into my eyes for hours. He never complains, except when I don’t give him enough attention. He adores my touch, my warm embraces, and especially my kisses. He will be with me for the rest of my days, or his.
His name is Milo.
Milo is not a person, but to me, he is family. He’s a small creature with a big personality—one that fills the quiet corners of my life with warmth and meaning. Milo brings me immeasurable joy and happiness. So much so that I feel no urgency for a human man to walk in and rearrange the rhythm of my life. The comfort and companionship I receive from him is honest, uncomplicated, and ever-present.
He knows when I’m sad. He’ll crawl up to my neck, nestle close, and sometimes even cry along with me. In the mornings, I often wake to find him gently nudging his face against mine, silently urging me to start the day with him by my side. He senses my moods. He doesn’t need to speak. His presence speaks volumes. He needs me, and I need him.
Alongside my daughters, Jody and Jacqueline, Milo completes me in a way I didn’t know I was still searching for.
A love that lasts
Of course, having a pet like Milo comes with its share of responsibilities and expenses, such as vet visits, grooming appointments, vitamins, toys, furniture, food, and treats. It adds up quickly.
But when he pads over and gently paws at my feet, asking to be picked up for a hug, none of that even crosses my mind. At that moment, all I feel is connection. All I see is love.
“Dogs will love you with a kind of loyalty that asks for nothing but your presence. They don’t judge, they don’t get upset, and they never stop waiting at the door with tails wagging and hearts full—simply because you came home. In a world that is constantly changing, their love remains steady. They are not just a man’s best friend. They are family and soulmates wrapped in fur,” says Lala Gotao.
Pets can lift our spirits, ease our loneliness, and soften life’s hardest moments. Through their quirks and routines, they become not just companions, but emotional anchors. Their love may be simple, but it is never shallow.
Katrina Holigores shares, “Who needs a date when your pet gives you unconditional love, endless cuddles, and never argues about what’s for dinner?”
Is this furever?
With this in mind, I sometimes wonder. When you reach a certain age in life, like I have, are pets enough to fulfill the space that a human partner might occupy?
Science seems to suggest that they can.
A 2011 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology by Allen McConnell and colleagues explored the emotional impact of pet ownership. The findings were enlightening. Pet owners experienced greater self-esteem, felt less lonely, and were generally happier and more fulfilled than non-pet owners.
The researchers concluded that pets serve as genuine sources of social support, offering many of the same psychological benefits we typically associate with human relationships. What was most fascinating is that the participants who reported the strongest bonds with their pets felt just as emotionally connected as those in close relationships with friends or romantic partners.
That’s not to say pets replace people. Rather, they redefine the emotional roles we once assumed only a person could fill. They teach us that affection doesn’t have to be spoken to be understood. That presence, comfort, and loyalty are not exclusive to human companionship.
For me, Milo is a constant. He’s there at the start of my day and at the end of it. He makes me feel needed, appreciated, and loved in a way that feels uncomplicated and complete. In the absence of romantic drama, unspoken expectations, or the emotional wear and tear that sometimes comes with human relationships, I’ve found something beautifully whole in this bond.
So no, I’m not jaded by love. I’ve simply discovered that love wears many forms. And sometimes, it has four paws, a wagging tail, and the warmest little heart you’ve ever known.
