Thanks to Bentley
From Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons from the Dog
By Susan A. Karas

Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.
~Author Unknown

The morning was still as I hugged my robe around me and made my way downstairs to the kitchen. It had been another fitful night, with dreams I couldn't remember. The reason was clear: I still hadn't adjusted to living alone. My husband had passed some time ago, but I was still steeped in sadness. The house felt big and empty, yet I hardly left the confines of its protective walls.

To combat the loneliness, I'd brought home a little teacup Maltese. The plan had been for him to keep me company and offer comfort. He would sit on my lap as I watched TV or read a book and snuggle beside me when I climbed into bed at night. But Bentley wouldn't cuddle for long. After a few minutes, he'd wriggle to get away. "Maltese are supposed to be lap dogs. They like to be close," I'd remind him with a frown. (Keep reading)