If a dog doesn't put you first where are you both? In what relation? A dog needs God. It lives by your glances, your wishes. It even shares your humor. This happens about the fifth year. If it doesn't happen you are only keeping an animal.

In this quote, Enid Bagnold explores the deep bond between humans and their dogs, emphasizing that a true relationship with a dog goes beyond basic care and affection. She suggests that if a dog doesn’t prioritize you—if it doesn’t respond to your glances, understand your wishes, or even share your humor—then the connection is lacking. According to Bagnold, this shift in behavior, where the dog becomes more attuned to its owner’s emotional state, typically happens after the fifth year of living together, marking a deeper emotional and spiritual bond.

The quote highlights the idea that a dog isn’t just a pet or animal, but can become an emotional companion. Bagnold suggests that the true significance of a dog in one's life is seen when it becomes not only a creature that is cared for but one that responds to the owner’s emotional needs. A dog that shares in your humor or understands your unspoken communication can bring a unique sense of connection and understanding, deepening the relationship.

Bagnold also touches on the spiritual connection between humans and dogs, saying that a dog "needs God." This could imply that a dog’s devotion and attachment to its owner is almost transcendent, elevating the relationship to something sacred. The dog’s complete trust in and reliance on the owner’s actions reflect a mutual dependency that goes beyond basic animal instincts.

Ultimately, Bagnold’s quote underscores the idea that a dog can become more than just a companion—it can be a part of the owner’s life in a profound and meaningful way. If this bond doesn’t develop, she suggests, then the relationship may simply be one of ownership, rather than a true connection. The message is clear: the best relationship with a dog is one built on shared understanding, trust, and mutual care.