This dog

In spite of the fact that I'm a lifelong cat person, this dog turned my mind. A little.

When I couldn't even stand my own Dad's dogs -- with their jumping and their drooling and their hyperactivity and their crotch-sniffing -- this calm, wise, mellow old girl showed me something I hadn't seen.

In a world of judgment, this dog taught me something about the possibility for, and redeeming power of, unconditional love.

When I saw the love that was lavished on her, this dog gave me hope.

When I saw the love that was lavished on her, this dog made me a little jealous.

I dolloped a bit of my own affection on her -- maybe because I loved her, too, or maybe as a cynical ploy to win the thing I couldn't have.

Either way, this dog accepted love unquestioningly.

For this dog, I was good enough.

This dog reminded me that I deserve more.

I will miss this dog.