Six People who changed the world- Maggie

Of the six people in my life who changed the world, Maggie is the only one who is not actually a person. I don't wish to saunter down the theological road which leads to discussions on whether or not animals have a soul. The undisputed fact is, Maggie was an important part of our family, and made an enormous impact upon us.
On February 16, 2010, thirteen year relationship between man and dog ended. Suffering and not understanding what was happening to her enlarged heart, I made the excruciating decision to end her life.
What kind of benefit can an animal bring to our lives, and how does that contribution change the world? In the deepest part of our hearts, we all have a desire above all else to be loved, to be admired. No matter how bad a day I had, or how many people were frustrated or upset with me, when I came home, that dog was there waiting for me, and each day she acted like a king had entered the room! She loved unconditionally. Yes, she was just an animal, but she was placed by God into our lives. We did not idolize her, buy her clothes or treat her like she was really part of the family, but we appreciated her for what she was, someone who brought me joy every day of her life. I miss her just as much today as I did the day she left.
Some may say it is a sign of weakness for a man to establish a connection like that to an animal, but I would worry about anyone who was not capable of sharing love in that way, especially a minster of the gospel. I will always be thankful for the time I had with Maggie, my life was a better when she was alive, and is a little emptier now that she gone.