We agree that a dog isn’t a human. If I had to choose between my dog and daughter, it isn’t even close...and my dogs would agree!
That said, I don’t think ‘love’ is restricted to another human. God loves us, and we are absolutely nothing in comparison to God. When we love our animals, we mirror God’s love for us - imperfectly, but when we work on a garden, we imperfectly imitate God’s example in creation.
While we are made in God’s image, all creation awaits our redemption:
“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” - Romans 8
I think it is safe to say that God’s love extends to the creatures he created, and in loving the animals he brings into our lives, we give glory to God by imitating his love.
Just IMHO.
Hey, Mr. R! I couldn't agree more and that is why I think having pets in a family with children helps to teach them important life lessons. Responsibility, hard work, caring, feeding, grooming, patience, sharing, love and affection as well as learning to let go and grieve when the time comes. God certainly teaches us through people he brings into our lives and also through the animals he entrusts us to care for.
I've never heard of a serial killer who didn't also mistreat and abuse animals as a child. A sad, but telling, character trait. Kindness and love for animals translates into usually the same attitudes towards fellow humans.