Everyone loves how excited their dogs get when they come home. My beagle from growing up has this loud, piercing seal-sounding bark that she reserves especially for when her people come home. She seal barks when I come to visit after being away for a few months, and she seal barks when my dad comes home for lunch, after being gone a few hours.

My two five-month-old beagle puppies stand up on their haunches and jump around when I come home – even I just left to take out the trash.

I've heard it said that we can learn a lot from animals in this regard – to be more excited about the people we love the most. While I think that's partly true, I'm just not sure how realistic it is. No matter how much I love my husband, I'm just not going to run and give him an excited hug and kiss when he comes home from picking up take out. And I think he'd be kind of annoyed if I did.

What I think we can learn from this amazing display of loyalty and excitement in dogs is to always be excited about coming home. Home is a special place – a place of rest and refuge – but we often forget this in the busyness of our lives. I never used to think twice about going home, except that it meant I could finally head to bed. But now – with my two eager beagles waiting – I get a little spring in my step when I'm a few blocks from my apartment, anticipating the reception waiting for me.

Dogs help show us that returning home – to the place, people, and animals we love the most -can be the most rewarding part of the day!

Photo Credit: Sean Litchfield

Posted: November 25,  2008