This is a picture of my beloved golden retriever, Moonshine. Whether people around her are sedate or on the verge of insanity, she can always be counted on to offer a reassuring smile. Always calm, cool, and collected, she keeps our family from coming unglued. This is rather remarkable because she spent the first two years of her life as a vet school test dog. It was amazing how quickly she adjusted to her surroundings and her new family. Now, she is completely at home with us and very aware of her presence. So are we. At times, we forget she’s a dog and not a human. During her eight years with us, she has learned how to open doors by herself, steal bread from the table, and beg for treats. We even taught her how to bark! Now she practically has a degree in it. When I got this photo developed, I was delighted at how beautiful it was. I loved how the golden tones stood out from the wallpaper behind her and the glow of her eyes at that particular angle. She looks almost angelic. Moonshine is really a very extraordinary dog, filled to the brim with heavenly wisdom.