Our animal companions can do so many things for us - protect us in ways we don't even fathom, love us in times when we seem unlovable, guide us when we cannot see, hold us up when we cannot stand, hear what we cannot hear, lie beside us in our darkest hour. Some of the worst humans can be redeemed by the love of a pet, and some humans have forfeited forever their right to ever know the blessings of an animal's love again....and yet, our pet's capacity for forgiveness is so great, one would still try to love them.
Sometimes I wonder at the marvelous and mysterious bond we are allowed to have with creatures who are obviously wise in ways we cannot begin to understand or appreciate and who show us the real meaning of an unconditional love we can only pathetically aspire to in our finest moments. What do they see, I wonder, when they gaze into our eyes? Perhaps they see into our hearts, and touch our souls with theirs, theirs so pure and untainted and sure of their place in this life and the hereafter. Perhaps they are our earthly window, just a hint of what we can expect heaven's perfect love to be? I only know that they can look inside us and love fractured spirits whole again, if we only let them.
I believe some of the finest most perfect angels who walk among us have 4 legs, and fur.
Remember that an angel on four legs bearing a furry pocket full of miracles may someday come to your door ...and rely on the kindness of strangers.