"Unconditional Love"

June 10, 2015 — It was seven years ago today that I rescued a one-year-old labrador retriever from a shelter in northern Virginia. She was picked up as a stray near Clifton, Virginia and was in pretty bad shape—severe skin disorder and emaciated. The shelter held her back for five weeks before putting her up for adoption in an effort to put some weight on and get her healthy. The sign on the kennel said “severe skin disorder, requires lifelong medication.” That one sentence turned away many potential families. Many people were excited to see a pure-bred yellow lab, but they moved on—quickly. When we met, we instantly connected. We looked into each other’s eyes and knew it was right. I made the decision that she was worth whatever the cost—whatever the expense. She would get the best care I could find. We have had seven great years together and I cannot imagine our lives without her. I found these words by Josh Billings: “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” How true this is—and sad because there are too many humans who lack the capacity return the love that a dog brings. Some humans just want company when a dog truly needs companionship. In return, a dog will never let you down. The skin disorder—cleared up shortly after she arrived home with me. The cure—"unconditional love."