Having a dog with a good memory is a lesson in how karma works -- what goes around comes around.  Our dog Leaf became fixated on Norman's orange ball at the dog park.  Norman is a black and tan collie-mix who absolutely adores his orange ball.  Yesterday Leaf took the precious toy away from Norman and made the dog chase him for twenty minutes, trying to get it back.
 
Today, Leaf brought his favorite lime-green ball to the dog park.  For the entire time we were there, Norman dropped interest in his orange ball and chased Leaf's green one.  Finally Leaf had to run around the entire time protecting his property by keeping the ball firmly gripped in his mouth.
 
Leaf is also demonstrating volumes about how to love without placing conditions on love.
 
His persistence in giving his love to the cats, who are less than enamored with him, has been inspiring.  He never misses an opportunity to try to make friends with these creatures, even though they seem to consider him an invader on their turf.  We watch him gradually winning them over.
 
It's been a topic of conversation for us as we ponder how this previously abandoned little survivor has a heart big enough to ignore and forgive the cats' rejection of him.  They, of course, are being cats.  Their love for us is enormous.  In cat-worldview, they are being protectors from a dog who seems to be disturbing our peace. Leaf has had to learn how to be housetrained, how to keep his nose and paws off the table, how to stop chewing on everything in sight, how to turn his attention away from the bird.  To the cats, this wiggly guy must look like a threat to the environment.
 
In spite of the cats' hisses and claws, Leaf wags his tail every time they enter a room.  He would slather their little bodies with licks and kisses if only they would allow it.  He is a model for loving without expecting a return.
 
What animals are models for unconditional love in your life?