Jake

"A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?" - Marley and Me

I've never actually seen this movie, due to the fact that if I were ever to watch it I would be depressed for a year, but this quote is undoubtedly and undeniably true. My best friend is a big, golden lab named Jake. I love this dog more than life itself and miss him even more than my family each time I leave home. He means the absolute world to me and if he were human, I would marry him in a heartbeat. :)

I can remember the first time I met Jake like it was yesterday, clear as crystal. My former dog, Autumn, had died while I was in Utah for summer vacation and my mother, being just as distraught as I over the death of a member of our family, promised me that I could get another dog. A week later, I went to the rodeo with my friend for her birthday and my parents went to look at the last dog of a litter from an ex-NFL player living in Dallas. I remember my mom telling me before I went to the rodeo that that they might or might not get the puppy and to accept their decision either way. Four eternal hours longer, I finally came home. I opened my front door and was immediately disappointed, for the house looked no different than when I left and I assumed the didn't get the puppy. I walked into the kitchen with tears starting to form in my eyes only to find my mom sitting in a chair at the table with the cutest little golden puppy tail and paws sticking out under her chair. The tears of sadness that filled my eyes soon turned to tears of happiness as I sank to my knees and greeted for the first time my love of life. Since then, my life has never been the same.

Every time I walk through the front door, I am greeted by a gentle-giant's vigorously wagging tail and slobbery pink tongue. No matter how horrible and bad my day has been, I know I have a boy at home who unconditionally loves me and NEVER fails to cheer me up. He doesn't see me how the world sees me... he sees me as the most beautiful, extraordinary, kind, and loving girl imaginable. He loves me no matter what. He will be there for me no matter what. And he will always be my best friend, no matter what. He's so much more than just a dog - he's the greatest friend anyone could ever dream of having and every day I thank God for him.

So last night when I got into town for Thanksgiving break and I walked through my front door, I was overwhelmed with joy and started sobbing with happiness as I greeted my dog Jake. I love him with all my heart, might, mind, and strength and miss him so much when I'm at college. For all you dog lovers out there, you know how I feel and I am so grateful that you care enough for an animal to give it a home and not just an address. Not many people make me feel extraordinary, but there is one boy, with four legs and a tail, that hits the nail on the head every time. Give him your heart and he'll give you his.