Me and Jack

 Jack taught me about love.

     Many people have their pets whether they are cats, dogs, birds, or turtles. My pet is Jack, a black lab. Jack brings so much joy to my life. He demonstrates that love in many ways.  He greets me at the door when I return home from work by vigorously wagging his tail and leaning against me trying to wipe my scent on himself. He licks my beard like there is ice cream all over it. He looks me in the eye with a consistency one would consider as intruding but his is done out of admiration and pure love. You feel the love with his every stare. When he follows me through the house he gently licks each calf as it presents itself to him saying in a quiet way "I'm here with you." When I've had a rough day he is an expert in hugging. His hugs are so wonderful. Jack will come up to my chair and place his front paws on either side of my head and lean in with his head placing it next to mine. He then will gently pull me into him and time will stand still but for a brief moment. That moment is absolutely priceless and still as the calm center of a storm. There is no doubt as to how much Jack loves me. A day will come when he will no longer be with me. It will be a sad day but I will have the memory of how Jack taught me about unconditional love.