by Melissa Brunner

On a run with a group of lovely ladies this morning, we got to talking about the images of the destruction left behind by recent tornadoes. One that stuck out was of a dog, standing along, surrounded by ruins of what once was his owner's home. I was touched by the story of a woman who hid in the bathtub with her child, her husband on top shielding them from the debris. He was killed - and the family dog refused to leave his side until someone came to get his master's body.

How devoted would our pets be, we wondered. Then we realized they have shown us many times. There are the understanding eyes that look back at you or the chin set in your lap when you're having a bad day. When I'm not feeling well, Bam Bam curls up next to me, along with one or two cats (if I'm lucky, the cat doesn't lay on my head!).

I'm sure you have examples, too, of this devotion. I'd love to hear them!

  Two of my cats - Baby & Mini