Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

The definition of unconditional love in the dictionary is “affection with no limits or conditions; complete love.”

“Intense love does not measure, it just gives.”

— Mother Teresa

“Only when we give joyfully, without hesitation or thought of gain, can we truly know what love means.”

— Leo Buscaglia

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love is in the air. There are many kinds of love, but the greatest of all is unconditional — the type of love many say can only be experienced by owning a cat or dog.

As a mother, I feel it’s also something you experience with your children. For many pet owners, their dog or cat is their child, so I think pet owners and parents can relate.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, the Humane Society of Central Arizona is running an adoption special. For the month of February, all adoptions are just $25. This includes cats, kittens, puppies and dogs. We have an unconditional love for the animals in our care and would like for them to find their loving, forever homes so that you can experience unconditional love too. Stop by the shelter at 812 S. McLane Road, open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Unconditional Love

by Hazel Harris-Lane

When a dog offers you his heart

Accept it with a smile

For his love will last a lifetime —

Which is such a little while.

When a dog offers you his heart

Take it gladly and with pride

For he will be a faithful friend

Ever by your side.

A dog loves you because you’re you —

Not for how you speak or what job you do,

You could be short, tall, thin or fat

Or ugly as sin, he doesn’t care about that.

A dog knows if you’re good or bad

He can see inside your soul,

When he decides you’re okay

To earn your love is his main goal.

When you’re sad, he’ll comfort you

And kiss away each tear,

You may even wake up in the morning

With a cold nose in your ear.

When eventually the time comes

And the lights in his eyes dim,

A new star will shine in Heaven

In remembrance of him.

You’ll gaze up at the midnight sky

And you will hear him say —

“I’m so glad you were my human

We’ll meet again some day!”

So, if this poem has caused a tear to fall

That’s because you love the dog who’s giving you his all.

Go travel on together, happily paw in glove,

He’s the only one who’ll ever give you unconditional love.

LALA

My name is Lala and I am almost 2 years old. I’ve been here at HSCAZ since 2-28-11. That’s a really long time and I’m so ready to find my forever home. I’m such a happy girl! The staff and volunteers always say how sweet and fun I am. I wiggle a lot when I get really excited. I LOVE the water too! I’m a social butterfly; I have lots of friends and everyone always wants to hang out with me. So I had to pick a love song to dedicate to you for Valentine’s Day. Want to know what it is? It’s Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” and that’s the truth!

STEEL

Steel is my name and cuddling is my game. I’m a 5-year-old Rottie mix that has been here since 7-29-11. I’m pretty easygoing, but I do enjoy long walks at sunset (how romantic, right?). If I could sing you a song, I would sing Olivia Newton John’s “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” and that’s a promise. I enjoy people and get along with other dogs and older kids.

KAYSEE

My name is Kaysee and I’m a 5-year-old Heeler/Pit mix. I have been with HSCAZ since 3-23-11. I’m a flirty boy, who loves to have his butt scratched. I’m super smart too and I know all sorts of basic commands. Did I mention I like to play ball? My song choice is Brain Adams’ “Everything I Do,” because I will do it for you.

BELLA

My name is Bella and “Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You.” I hope you feel the same way too. I’m 3 years old and have been at HSCAZ since 7-18-11. Though I may be a little shy at first, I am very loving and loyal. I am a polite girl, always using my manners, of course. I like to cuddle up with you while we watch romantic movies. I enjoy nature, and look forward to hikes and picnics.

RILEY

My name is Riley and I’m a true ladies’ man. I love to romp and play and have a good old time. I’m 3 years old, front declawed and have been at HSCAZ since 10-23-11. “I Got You Babe,” you can trust me when I say that. I love to cuddle up in your lap and demand all of your attention.

PRISCILLA

Priscilla is my name and playing hard to get is my game. I may act shy and reserved, but I really am a love bug who likes to romp and play. I’m looking to find my loving, forever home so I can say you “Light Up My Life”. Trust is important in a relationship, and I’m ready to take those steps with you.