By M. Jane Hocking, New Mexico
When we were younger and living in Alaska, my husband and I had sled dogs. He did some racing, but I never really enjoyed running a team. With beautiful scenery and my dog buddies, mushing should have brought joy, not a heavy lump of dread in my gut. But I loved raising puppies, training lead dogs, and finding and clearing old trails, so I concentrated on those tasks related to sledding.
By Judith D’Amico, Sydney, Australia
Twenty-five years ago I was living in Libya. In response to some painful experiences during the seven years before, I had closed my heart and hardened myself to love.
By Elke Hughes, Canberra, Australia
Several animals have played an important role in my life. However, this tribute goes to my dog Alfa, a yellow boxer, who was my first teacher in matters of unconditional love.
By Tammy Attama, Virginia
With joyful anticipation, we picked up our new puppy! She was a few months old, gangly, and adorable in the body she had yet to grow into. Our family fussed over her and made her feel welcomed; however, her excitement did not match our own.
By Harold Klemp
Some years ago, “Ellen” was tutoring two children in their family’s living room. It was a beautiful, sunny, summer day, and the wind was blowing through the living room. Everything was going fine. She was tutoring the kids, and they were doing well.
By Peter Akpokodje, Lagos, Nigeria
Recently I have been thinking about the reason we exist in this world. I kept the thought lightly on my mind. I wondered, What is love? What is my purpose?