I have two white miniature schnauzer dogs. They were rescue dogs that were found roaming the streets of Baltimore City when they were just young puppies. They both had significant medical issues and were treated for months before they were put up for adoption. They came already named… Anna and Elsa.
They are the kind of dogs that want to be with their people all the time. They love to sit with you and just stare into your eyes. No matter if they are to spend the entire day in their crate while everyone is at work and school, they bound out of their crate when released with the same intensity of love for us as if it was the first time they had met us.
Everyday, it is the same. They deeply love us with no strings attached. I like to say “these dogs are the epitome of unconditional love.” They demonstrate to our entire family what it means to love deeply no matter what. Everyday, actually every moment, is a chance to show more and more love to us. It is truly amazing to me.
In a way, I feel that these dogs are role modeling this way of being for the humans in their lives. Can I forgive a transgression from my husband and just move on? In this moment… right now? See humans tend to hold onto things: “I want to be angry and feel bad so that you will see my pain, so that you will feel bad too.” Dogs don’t do this. It really is a gift to have these sweet dogs in our lives. They teach me everyday how to be a better human being. I never knew, couldn’t have imagined, that two of my teachers in this life would be 20 lb white furry animals named after a Disney movie! I can really say that I am a better human being with these two in my life… as I am reminded daily about love with no strings attached. I can just be love, and perhaps this is enough.
