On this, the fourth day of November, two-thousand and twenty-two, be it known that I, Nicole Johnson, formally known as non-lover of dogs and otherwise assumed completely incapable of living among these four legged balls of fur, am now officially declaring my affection for these unique and God-given creatures. There are many people to whom I am afraid I owe an apology, as I spent forty-four years of my life avoiding coming in contact with your furry friends and silently cringing when they came in contact with me – uninvited and unwelcome. The shedding, the drool, the licks with tongues that have been goodness-knows-where, the four dirty paws, the small repulsive insects hitching a ride among the mountains of fur; it was all more than I, and my friendly companion OCD, could take. 

The thing is…I didn’t know..that those four little paws are much more than the threat of footprints all over the house and that one day the click of your nails along the floor as you follow me from room to room would be this unexpected sound of normalcy – contentedness – this comforting reminder that I’m never alone. 

I didn’t know…that your kisses would be the sweetest affirmation of your love and somehow it wouldn’t matter that, two minutes before your tongue found your way to my ear, it had been scooping up ample amounts of bunny droppings from the yard.

I didn’t know…that it could be so very good for the soul to be greeted with a tail wagging with such intensity, your whole backside flails from side to side and the only thing I have to do to earn such uninhibited joy is leave your line of sight for a day – or a moment.

I didn’t know…that you would read my emotions and respond with such genuine “I’m-all-in-ness”, whether that means snuggling beside me to offer comfort or jumping up and down and running circles around me to match my excitement – over what, it never seems to matter. 

I didn’t know…that every time I watch you with your head out the car window, I’d be reminded that, only in absorbing the simplest joys, can we live our best life.

I didn’t know…that I’d come to depend on your presence, that I’d crave the feel of your soft fur in my hands and your warm body snuggled next to me; that somehow by feeding you, I’d be feeding myself. 

I never wanted you; not in my house and not in my heart. And then you somehow stormed your way in and now I understand neither could ever be the same without you. 

I didn’t know…that somehow you would show me the heart of God in the gift of your loyalty and teach me that selfless love never depends on what you receive, but rests only on what you are willing to give.

I didn’t know…that no matter how undeserving I may be, your love would mimic that of your creator; always there, always ready, always deeper and more pure than I can return.

I didn’t know…that I could love you.

But now, now I do. 

Thank you, my furry friend, for teaching me all I didn’t know.