Who said, Love me, love my dog? - briefly
The phrase "Love me, love my dog" is a proverb that has been in use for centuries. It is often attributed to St. Bernard, a medieval theologian and writer, who is believed to have first recorded this expression in Latin as "Qui me amat, amet et canem meum."
The saying reflects the idea that if someone truly loves and accepts a person, they should also accept and love that person's pet. However, the exact origin of the phrase remains uncertain, and it may have been a part of popular wisdom long before St. Bernard's time.
Who said, Love me, love my dog? - in detail
The phrase "love me, love my dog" is a well-known English idiom that signifies the idea that if someone loves or accepts a person, they should also accept and love that person's close associates or possessions. This expression is often used to emphasize the importance of accepting all aspects of a person, including their friends, family, or pets.
The origin of this phrase is attributed to ancient French literature. It is derived from the French proverb "Qui m'aime aime mon chien," which translates to "Who loves me loves my dog." This proverb appears in the 12th-century French poem "Ysengrimus," a Latin animal fable written by Nigel de Longchamps. In this poem, the character Renard, a cunning fox, uses this phrase to illustrate the idea that true friends should accept all parts of one's life, including one's companions.
The phrase has been popularized and perpetuated through various forms of literature, folklore, and everyday language. It underscores the notion of unconditional acceptance and loyalty, suggesting that genuine affection for someone should extend to those things and people that are important to them. This idiom is often employed in discussions about relationships, friendship, and the acceptance of one's entire persona, including their quirks and attachments.
The enduring appeal of "love me, love my dog" lies in its simplicity and universality. It resonates with people across different cultures and time periods because it encapsulates a fundamental aspect of human relationships: the expectation of mutual acceptance and understanding. The phrase serves as a reminder that true love and friendship are inclusive and encompass all the elements that make up an individual's life.