Look, love is messy. It’s complicated. And sometimes, it looks like a cat who won’t stop biting your toes or a dog who thinks your lap is definitely still available, even when you’re trying to work. But if you pay attention—really pay attention—you’ll see it. And maybe, just maybe, the next time your pet slow-blinks at you or drops a questionably deceased offering at your feet, you’ll whisper back, “I love you too, weirdo.”

Okay, let’s cut to the chase: the Bichon Frise isn’t just a dog. It’s a lifestyle. It’s that one friend who shows up to brunch in an outfit so effortlessly chic you question your entire wardrobe. It’s the canine equivalent of a perfectly made cappuccino—frothy, delicate, and somehow a little smug about it.

So let’s talk about it. Let’s talk about why these animals deserve more than scraps of food and fleeting sympathy. Let’s talk about why adopting an Indian dog or cat is not just an act of kindness, but an act of recognizing what should have been obvious all along: their lives are just as valuable as the ones we buy.