Don't get me wrong, I definitely had my moments of make believe growing up. I had my baby dolls, an extra set of old car keys, and my car (or wooden rocking horse that had a hole in the poor things ear where I had dug for my keys to go), and I drove (or rocked) around the house pretending to run errands and imitate all of the things my mother did. However, on my ideal day I was loving on whichever pet would allow it at the time. And loving hard.
I took heart at a very young age to animals being the exemplary friend. Not telling our secrets, always being there (not to mention being excited about it), and loving us unconditionally.
Every child should grow up knowing this sweet love. What good would their favorite 50's day at school be without a picture with their B.F.F. to start it off right? 
"A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere."
-Groucho Marx
If anything, they are the best teachers God could send us. They never complain, even when they're sick.
They are very easily excitable. You can yell at them, beat them, forget to feed them, and they're still going to love you at the end of the day. They can talk without saying a word, and they'll even dance with you.
They enjoy the simple things life, like feeling the wind blow through their hair on a pretty day,
or just simply being by your side to pick up an ice cream sundae.
I owe my parents a huge thank you for allowing me to learn and appreciate this at such an early start.
And major points to these parents, and high hopes for their offspring that they too will appreciate each and every friend they are blessed to love and get to know.
Happy loving!
