Puppy Love

Love is in the air at Bark Avenue Daycamp, where we always get to experience puppy love from all of our sweet puppy clients who come in for dog training, doggie daycare, and kennel boarding!

As Valentine’s Day comes in February, we are reminded of that timeless phrase, “puppy love.”

And they called it puppy love
Oh, I guess they’ll never know
How a young heart how it really feels
And why I love her so…

The phrase “puppy love” was first used in 1823.  The term can be found in countless books and storylines, and the emotional state has inspired countless films and songs, but where did the expression come from and what exactly does it mean?

In his 1959 hit “Puppy Love,” Paul Anka crooned, “And they called it puppy love – Just because we’re, we’re seventeen…”   Dictionary.com says the term has its origins in the “pure affection which puppies lavish on humans.”  They go on to claim that adult dogs are more discerning in their affection. Psychologists say it is a type of transitory romantic love that flourishes during adolescence.  It can also be used to describe the initial “infatuation stage” of any romantic relationship.

Regardless of its definition and origins, “puppy love” is part of our popular culture. As we celebrate the upcoming holiday, we would like to share this selection of songs and films.

Songs:
“Our Hour – The Puppy Love Song” – Spike Jones & His City Slickers, (1947)

“Puppy Love, A ballad” – Dorothy Collins, (1952)

“Puppy Love” (Country Hillbilly) – Billy Dee, (1954)

“Puppy Love” – Dolly Parton, (1959)

“Puppy Love” – Jess Duboy, (1959)

“Puppy Love” – Paul Anka (1960)

“Puppy Love Is Here To Stay” – Billy Storm (1965)

“Puppy Love” – Lil Bow Wow, (2001)

Silent Film:
Plagues And Puppy Love –  starring Larry Semon, (1917) Silent Film

Cartoon:
Puppy Love 1932 (Sound Cartoon)