I believe in Magic

I believe in Magic. His jet black coat shines in the warm sunlight as he chases the happiness that lies in the three tennis balls that he will return to me in his slobbering mouth. Magic is a one-hundred pound black Labrador who entered my life eight years ago. I remember like it was yesterday. Here was this little black puppy that began to chew on my shoelace, looking for a new friend to play with. I knew I had found something truly magical, and since that day, I believe in the unconditional love and friendship that a dog personifies.

A good friend is always there to listen. Magic has always been there for me when I needed someone to talk to, even though he doesn’t understand most of what I am saying. More importantly, he discerns my emotions. If I am upset or not feeling well, he can sense this disturbance and will sit next to me to provide reassurance and comfort. When my parents were going through their divorce, I recall sitting in my room one night feeling alone, distraught, and sad as I listened to them fighting. Then Magic came wandering into my room, put his head on my lap, and starred at me with his sincere dark brown eyes. I knew he understood the sorrow in my eyes, and he was there to reassure me that I wasn’t alone.

I value Magic’s ability to make me smile at any moment. Even if I come home after the worst day at school, I can always count on him to make me smile with the simplest silly action like rubbing his face on the carpet with his butt up in the air. His loyalty is unquestionable. Every morning he is stirred awake by the first rays of sunlight that sneak through the window curtains. He will crawl on top of me in bed, begging to go on a morning walk together and excited for a new day. While he is riding in the car, he always puts his head out the window, wagging his tail with a big smile on his face. Seeing him smile is contagious. It makes me smile and learn to appreciate the simple joys in life.

I have learned that a dog can embody all the best qualities of your other friends. I know I can always count on the undeniable devotion and companionship that Magic will show me day in and day out. I know he will never judge me. I know he will always forgive me. I believe that dogs have a natural ability to enrich a person’s life with true friendship.