I wonder, sometimes, where there is so much guilt in the animal world,

is it because they can’t speak, and seem to love so unconditionally?

Because they touch the deepest parts of ourselves, and open up channels

of love and connection we did not know we had?

Forgive yourself,

when you lose your temper,

when you help them leave the world

in grace and dignity,

when you have to go out,

or away,

or you waited too long,

or acted too soon.

Or yelled and shouted and

stamped your feet.

Forgive yourself,

sometimes we love them too much,

and blame ourselves,

too much.

Forgive yourself.

You are human, and that means

you are human.

You will make mistakes,

more than once,

that is the toll of love.

Forgive yourself.

They do.