Lessons From the Garden: For the Love of Pets

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul

remains unawakened. Anatole France

I grew up incredibly shy. I struggled to make the small talk required to 'fit in' with my peers. My dogs seemed to know what I was thinking without describing my emotions or concerns and they silently stared into my soul and cuddle up beside me without asking me to explain or change to accommodate. This is where I first learned to love unconditionally.

I explored the woods with a cocker/poodle, befriended...