Unconditional Love

Over a decade and a half ago my dad stopped on the way to my soccer game and bought me a puppy from Petland.  I named him Oliver because "Oliver and Company" was the big new movie that had just come out.  Oliver went everywhere my brother and I did.  He camped out with us, chased us on the wheeler, and let me dress him in ridiculous clothing.  Oliver brought more joy and smiles to me than I could ever count.  Sure, I grew up and grew out of "playing", but I never grew out of loving that dog!  Today we had to let him go.  My dad and I pet/loved on him until he fell peacefully asleep.

"It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."    Thanks Dad for reminding me of that.... thank you for brightening my life by buying me that sweet little puppy from Petland...and thank you Mom for not killing us when we brought him home...or when he chewed up all of your new azaleas.

I wrote this awhile back when I was writing what I was thankful for, and it certainly will always remain true:

Animals do not judge.  They do not care if you are black or white, fat or skinny, liked or disliked by most, a trash-man or a highly-paid executive.  They don't care what your hair looks like or what clothes you wear.  They don't care if you wake them up in the middle of their nap- in fact, they react with enthusiasm to see you.  Their love is UNCONDITIONAL.  It is an actual medical fact that animals lower our blood pressure and reduce our anxiety, while boosting our immunity.  We should all STRIVE to be more like them.


I love you Oliver, thank you for all the love & joy you brought to my life!!