Such a wonderfully thoughtful message, Lyn - you have reminded us that the precious animals that we take in and love are ALL good girls and boys.
They are good primarily because they give us their love in any way they can, often in spite of the lives they had before us.
They are extra good because they try so hard to figure out and fit in with our human wants and needs, despite their own desires.
They are exceptionally good when they trust, even a little, that these new people may not hurt them as others have.
Their most important 'good' is that they allow each of us who care for them the opportunity to feel our hearts swell and almost burst with the depthless love we have for them.
I believe this is the purest love humankind can experience. And as horrifying as it becomes when we must say goodbye, I am willing to face that ultimate heartbreak in order that I may taste that perfect love.
My thanks to Sally, Shadow, and every other animal who gave us that priceless opportunity.