Hope

Hope was my best friend when I was eight and nine years old. He wasn't just a handsome gray and white tabby tom, he was the smartest and most loyal animal I have ever known (still to this day.) He loved me with such an unconditional love that it went beyond the norm, he loved me so much he never backed down from anything to protect me. One day after his only son, Peace (who is now 14 years old), was born we set outside my apartment enjoying the day together when a large German Shepherd Dog and his owner came walking down the sidewalk towards us. Without hesitation Hope leapt up and darted right in front of the dog and hissed once at him to warn him not to come close to me and his kitten. The owner and Shepherd, shocked by Hope's boldness, turned around and went the other way. Not long after that a sick stray cat started coming around and Hope would always fight him off to keep him away from us. Due to the love and bravery he lavished upon Peace and I, Hope caught the stray cat's sickness, (Feline aids) and passed away in my arms months later. Long enough for him to teach his son how to unconditionally love me. 14 years later I still tear up at the memory of Hope and everything he taught me about the true beauty and power of the unconditional love from an animal.