One of my favorite things about Eli, and really most every other dog, is that they truly love unconditionally. This is a trait that you can often see in dogs who have been abused. Once they get past their fear, they are so eager to love someone. It's so special and I have to imagine for the new owners, it means more than anything.
I never ever have to doubt that Eli loves me. Coming home to him never fails to make me feel really good. If you're an animal person, you likely know exactly what I'm talking about. Cats do it too, they're just a little bit more picky about it at times.
It's nearly impossible to be in a bad mood when there is someone or something that happy to see you. I really love that about Eli. It's how he makes me feel about myself. He makes me feel good. I think so often we have conditions on our love and maybe that's why the divorce rate is as high as it is. "I love you, but I'm not 'in love with you' is a line many people have heard and many people have said. But what if we loved unconditionally in much the same way animals do. What if we were always excited to see someone? What if they knew without a doubt that they were loved? Would it really matter if we weren't 'in love' with someone but simply loved them? Superficial love can come and go with the wind but those who love unconditionally, love without placing restrictions on their love.
I really want to be like Eli when it comes to his ability to show love. To show someone love unconditionally I think may very well be one of the greatest gifts we can give them. I've thought long and often about what I would like to have written on my epitaph, and for me I want it to say that I loved well. It would mean that I lived my life in such a way that others felt my love for them. What an honor it would be to live a life like that. I fail often, but like everything, I think you just have to keep trying.
Love doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be true and pure and just like Eli, unconditional.
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