Dear Barkley, thank you for showing me how to love...

- In greeting me with affection and joy, no matter what

- In being gentle with me

- In taking the space you need and always coming back

- In meditating patiently with me

- In knowing when I'm sad and coming close

- In the way you tilt your head when you look at me

- In your patience as I slowly learn to receive your love and then show you mine

- In allowing me to hold my head close to yours

- In defaulting to always show your love to all, and then standing kindly firm only when necessary

- In reminding me how to play

- In kindly teaching me to put you first on walks, telling me what you need

- In waking me when there's an emergency