I recently learned of a program called “Hounds for Heroes.” It matches soldiers returning from combat with dogs (taken from shelters…hmmm).

The premise is that the dogs will provide love, companionship, support and protection, thus aiding the soldiers in their recovery and re-entry into society.

Unfortunately, some of our soldiers, both male and female, are returning to us with mental and physical scars and are standing in need of love, even when they don’t look like or act like they did when they left us.

My research revealed that this form of animal therapy is more common than I thought. Trained dogs, also known as service animals, are being used in multiple areas of human service. A number of medical areas are seeing positive results in conditions such as autism, seizure service, elder care, hearing and vision, just to name a few.

Up until now, I don’t think I have given my five-pound Yorkie “Chanel” the props she is due. Certainly, I love her and take care of her, but I hadn’t stopped to realize that she is a member of an elite breed, brought to us humans as one example of what God’s love looks like, confirming that He can use anything and anyone.

Obviously, people are not dogs, but the lessons they demonstrate can be helpful in our continued development.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV) has always made it clear what love looks like: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Could it be that Chanel and our other furry friends are instinctively able to offer a level of unconditional love that humans are sometimes challenged with?

Organizations like “Hounds for Heroes” realize that these animals can make a difference in the lives that they touch. So why animals and not people? The truth is, sometimes we miss the boat when it comes to loving unconditionally.

Love is easy when it feels good. But what happens when the relationship is challenged by an injury, or the children are unruly, the elderly parent needs 24-hour care, the homeless needs a shower or food, the addicted needs an ear? How does our love stack up in those situations?

The tough question becomes, how able are we to remain patient during the tough stuff, when we don’t feel like it, dependable when our schedules are tight, celebratory of another’s success when we are experiencing lack, tolerant when the food order is not quite right, compromising when we don’t get our way, unselfish and willing to endure all things in love and truth? Could our furry friends be on to something?

When I open my door, it doesn’t matter to Chanel if I have my eyelashes on, if I am tired and impatient, needy, didn’t make it to the ATM or even if something is in there, her little tail is wagging and she is jumping, even when there is nothing to jump about.

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Tanya Wilson is an inspirational speaker and author living in Charlotte. Her column is published here each Monday. Friend her on Facebook or email her at tw360you@aol.com.

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