Middleburg is obviously a dog-loving village. One is often accompanied around town to shop, dine, bank or socialize with their best furry friends who are welcomed everywhere as part of the community. There is everything from galas to "Yappy Hours" to support pooches of all shapes, sizes, breeds, and types. Some people like specific breeds while others choose the love of a mutt, but no matter the bloodlines, I think it is clear that they become parts of our souls and personalities. Do our dogs take on our personalities or do we take on theirs?

My dog Dixie is a total mutt, but I prefer to believe she is a Croatian Squirrel Terrier and insists that her snaggly teeth are breed standard, for said snaggly teeth enables them to catch squirrels by their tails…in Croatia. She is emotional, loving, slightly needy and knows exactly how to get her way. She doesn't like to get her nails done though, so I guess we aren't complete twinsies.

My husband's dog, Dazey, strongly resembles Velcro the flying dragon from The Neverending Story. She is sensitive, high energy has great hair and is often compared to a mythical creature. Yes, that's Nick, but he doesn't enjoy rolling in manure nearly as much as his dog does.

My parents have Max and Maddie. Maddie is loud, vicious, obsessed with my mother and tends to growl and bite at most that cross her path. That is truly the exact opposite of my mother's personality, thus disproving my theory unless Chucky is somehow trying to get out of my mother's body. Max is affectionately called "Studly Do Right" and is a cool, confident pooch to which we can't assign an age, has selective hearing, and oozes awesomeness, just like my Dad.

I know several guys that have Labradors. They are sporty, loyal, even-tempered and they will do just about anything for a belly rub and full leg humping rights.

Terriers are tenacious, mischievous, bend hard (but don't break the rules), and have tendencies to be slightly neurotic and persistent. And so are my friends that are owned by them.

My friends with Frenchies are fun loving, creative, have infectious laughs and seem to never have bad days. Sometimes I just want to live a day inside their brains.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners are sophisticated, always well-coiffed and presented perfectly, and very mindful of manners.

Those that provide retirement homes for Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Pit Bulls and other breeds that often need soft places to land have the biggest hearts, are always kind and welcoming, fabulous hosts, the best friends, love to be surrounded by peace and give the best, most genuine hugs around.

And lastly, there are those rescue, foster and mutt lovers. They are incredibly genuine, patient, honest and understanding in every situation. They are the even-keeled friends who always have time for you no matter what time of day.

No matter what the breed, the worlds would be a nicer place if everyone could love as unconditionally as a dog. Peace, love, and dog treat, my friends.