I read a speech entitled "The Love Of A Dog" by George Graham Vest. Vest was Senator for Missouri in the late 1800's to early 1900's and was one of the great orators of his time. He gave this speech when he was practicing law, while representing a man in court who was suing another man for killing his dog.
As I was reading the speech, I couldn't help but think of my own precious little companion Maggie B. Vest says, "The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog." I once heard a preacher give this illustration in reference to the difference in mind sets of cats and dogs. A cat thinks...Hmmmm this human feeds me, pets me, cares for me??? I must be GOD. A dog thinks...Hmmmm this human feeds me, pets me, cares for me??? THEY must be GOD. So true.
Vest goes on to say " He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in it's journey through the heavens." In my opinion, it isn't humanly possible to give that kind of unconditional love, but it's very humbling to receive it from our little fury friends. I am so thankful for my sweet little girl Maggie and I am constantly reminded that although there is so much hate, jealousy and vindictiveness in this world, there is admiration, loyalty and love to balance us and keep our hearts from becoming calloused.
