If you’ve ever had a moment where you’ve lost a measure of faith in humanity, consider this fact: there is a vast reservoir of untapped, unconditional, inexhaustible love and appreciation in an overwhelming majority of people on earth. If you don’t believe me, take my dog for a walk some evening around your neck of the woods.

My dog, Kaya, is a Siberian Husky. He is sweet, playful, mischievous, and just about the cutest thing around. What is most amazing to me about Kaya, though, is not his naturally radiant, inherent qualities of being—his beingness—, but rather his unselfconscious ability to draw forth love and appreciation from strangers he meets on his daily walks.

Every time we walk I am amazed not so much by him, but by the immense and proximate reservoir of love in so many passersby. People will emanate love if given half a chance. Granted, they are more prone to do so with an animal than they are with fellow human beings, but the fact of the matter is that it is there.

Have faith. Do not despair. The radiant expression of love is at hand.

Just ask Kaya.