by Regina Hill

Created on: January 22, 2009   Last Updated: January 29, 2009

Animals, by nature, encourage, inspire and fill human hearts with delight. While animals don't require nearly the amount of inspiration or motivation that a human will for becoming someone's lifelong friend, they do require some amount of nurturing. Their needs are few but they must be cared for in a way that reassures a lasting friendship and, remarkably, they will remain a friend for life.

Native Americans believed that animals were spirit guides. While I don't believe they are spirit guides, I do believe they're extraordinary models who illustrate the many intricate layers of true friendship. They're easy to like and love and I can't imagine any more devoted a companion for anyone than the dog. They're dedicated and faithful, while still allowing their owner space when the time comes to. They're trustworthy, inspire relaxation and they're loyal to a fault. If any creature on earth deserves our appreciation it must be the dog.

Wild animals, too, are beautiful and inspiring creatures that will leave the passerby who glimpses them feeling thankful to have had the opportunity to catch sight of them. I can't even imagine the number of times I've said, "ooohhhh, how beautiful!" whenever I happened upon a deer, bear or rabbit. They're magnificent creatures who deserve to be protected and admired. I couldn't ever imagine having to shoot something so magnificent.

C.S. Lewis wrote Narnia, a land of talking animals, and I myself have often wondered what my cock-a-pooh might tell me if he could speak the words that I would love to hear. Would he say that he loved me? He already does say this multiple times daily. With his tail, he tells me just how delighted he is and with his attitude toward me, he tells me that he loves me more than I can imagine. I would like to know what animals might say if we understood their language. Yet, in some ways, we do understand. Their language is different from ours, but still very capable of revealing their thoughts and ideas. If dogs could talk, well just listen closely. In a way, they already do.

And, above all else, animals are not prejudiced. They love with an open heart and give their companion their undivided attention. They love without expectations, limitations or restrictions. They love just as furiously, the two year old or the eighty year old. They don't discriminate for any reason whatsoever. If at all possible, they're willing to do tricks for your acceptance and, if they can, they'll protect you. I believe the love they offer is as close to unconditional as most any mother's love and love that precious doesn't come along every day.

Lighten your heart and your life with an animal's love and I believe you'll understand the reason I believe that animals are creatures that encourage, inspire and fill human hearts with delight.

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