My human friends are wonderful, but my favorite animal, a dog, is quite an exceptional friend as well. My dogs have always had an extraordinary role in my life. Dogs are an intuitive animal. They sense when I am sick or sad and come sit right next to me, not badgering me with platitudes, but offering quiet comfort. They are always so glad to see me when I have been gone and make me feel that I am uniquely special to them. They ask so little: a kind word, a pat on the head, or a quick belly rub often satisfied their needs. Even when I do something to them they don’t like- such as give them a pill or bathe them- they bear no grudges. Dogs are my favorite animal and one of life’s gifts to me.