I was instantly struck when I read this quote. It brought up so many emotions and thoughts and I tried to envision who this was for me. Several people came to mind, but when I read through the quote several more times, I realized that the individual who truly embodies this for me is not a person at all: it is our dog. It made me think of all of the times I have sat, crying on the couch, and Raisin has intuitively known her presence is needed. I tend to be an emotional person and allow my tears to flow naturally as part of the healing process. Although David is learning to be supportive without immediately needing to know why I am upset, it does not come naturally to him and with regards to that, I am working on being more understanding. Fortunately for both of us, it is ingrained in Raisin's very being. She knows when my heart is aching and when her warm body will offer comfort. David thinks that she just likes the saltiness of my tears, but I believe that she knows that licking my face will brighten my outlook, even if just momentarily, and will help me along the road to overcoming whatever has saddened me in that moment.
Some people view animals as lesser beings than humans. I'm not one of them. I think that we can learn a lot from the animals around us, starting with our very best companions: dogs. Sometimes, what a person needs is a judgment-free arm around their shoulder (or paw on their chest) saying: It's not okay right now. I don't have the power to make it okay. But I will be here with you while you hurt and I will do what I can to make it hurt a little less. For me, that is what true friendship is about: whether that friend be furry or human.
Sorry if you visit this page for the normal light-hearted, happy posts about the world's cutest dog. To make sure you come back for more of those (because, really, that's what this blog is normally going to be), here is a picture of the Cuteness Queen herself:
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