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Is there any animal as loyal, loving and gracious as a dog? I am an avid animal lover and I love all types of animals but if I had to pick one animal that I treasure over all others it would be the dog.

Since the domestication of animals began, there was the dog, right there beside his owner's side, showing a brand of loyalty truly unique to only the dog. The loyalty that I have received from dogs is a loyalty that I have rarely seen in any human being much less received from them. A lot of people must feel the same way that I do as dog loyalty has been written about through the ages, stories handed down from generation to generation about dogs and their one of a kind faithfulness to their owners.

I am reminded of something I once read in regards to dog loyalty. "A timeless record of a dog's love was discovered in the ruins of Pompeii. Archaeologists unearthed the remains of a boy and a large dog that seemed to be pulling on the boy's coat in order to save him. A silver collar that the dog bore held an amazing inscription. This dog has thrice saved the life of his little master. Once from fire, once from water and once from thieves."

As much as I love dogs for their loyalty, I respect them for graciousness. Dogs are gracious for what they have and want nothing more from you than you can give. I am convinced that if everyone would be as gracious as a dog is for what they have and not want any more than that, without question, the world would be a much better place. A dose of humility is indeed just what the world needs.

Perhaps what I love most about dogs is their ability to love. They are slow to anger and even if a dog becomes angry with you, he never stops loving you. His love is unconditional. And although a dog's love is strongest for his master, a dog's love knows no bounds. And it doesn't take long for a dog to form a loving bond. A dog doesn't need to look at your resume to know for sure if you are good enough to pal around with him. He doesn't want to know your life story he just wants your approval. Within minutes of knowing you, a dog would surely risk his own life to save yours.

It's all these things I admire about dogs. We often spend a lifetime looking for these qualities in friends and acquaintances. Maybe that's why some people consider their dogs their best friends. I think of all best canine friends that I have lost over the years and I just know that they will remain in my heart forever. Hopefully one day I will get to see them again.

Learn more about this author, Denise Calaman.
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