Angels on earth

I love dogs. Dogs are loyal in a way that humans can never be. And their unconditional love is priceless.

They dance with joy when we come home, put their heads on our knees and stare longingly into our eyes. It's like getting the love and loyalty we so richly deserve and so rarely receive. Dogs are our unending source of kisses, cuddles, slobber, and laughs.

And they have the particularly appealing characteristic of being unable to speak. This leaves us the chance to fill in the blanks with what we need/want to hear. I've heard Augie say things like "You're the best and smartest human in the world, mom", "You're perfect in every way and you never make bad choices", and "You smell so great after you work out".

Of course, he's probably thinking none of these things but since he can't talk I can continue to go on believing that that's what's going through his canine mind. And even though he's "only a dog" (as some unfortunate people seem to think), I admit that his love for me can put a pep in my step and lift my spirits on days when nothing else can. All the dogs I've shared my home with have had this effect on me. Sometimes I feel like I simply can't do enough in return, even though I shower them with love, food and plush beds. It just seems like they still deserve more.

One of my favorite quotes about dogs is:
"He is your friend, your partner,
your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader. He will
be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat
of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of
such devotion."   ~Unknown

So on this Monday, a day when I'm feeling a bit down and a little beaten up by the world, I want to say THANK YOU AUGIE. For reminding me of what's good and pure. And for meeting me at the door like I'm a Noble-Peace-Prize-winning-Olympic-champion-superstar when I get home today at 4:30.