Millions of people are heading to different places to see the mystical eclipse; I wish them well. When the eclipse comes,  I’ll be in a doctor’s office in Saratoga Springs getting a routine check-up.

I admit I have no real interest in the eclipse; I’ve read about it on National Geographic, and their photographers are lovely. I wish everyone luck in seeing it.

Maria will be out watching the shadows of animals when the eclipse comes.

Today was a day about sunshine and love. I thought a lot about the purity and innocence of animal love as opposed to human love.

I can’t say I prefer animals to people—I don’t—but I love them completely, with no conditions or complaints. Animal love is just simpler than human love, but no less for that. I took some photos of animal love today and want to share them with you.

There are no words to capture this, only feelings truly.

They are meant to show how much we love them.

First, above, I got a cat brush and have been brushing Zip.

His coat needed a brushing, and he hesitated momentarily, looked up at me, and decided to trust me. I haven’t hurt or frightened him so far; I loved caring for him this way. Maria took this picture.

He purrs all through it.

St. Aquinas was the first great Christian philosopher to write that treating animals with compassion and mercy is necessary because that might teach us people to be merciful to one another.

That has only sometimes worked with people, but it triggered the love of animals we see today. I have learned a lot in my love of animals, especially about how I could love and show mercy for people.

Zinnia is pure, sweet, and loving. She is always by my side and in my heart.

Fate worships Maria in the way border collies worship people who bring them to sheep. Even though Fate sees her role differently than other border collies I’ve had, I love her dearly; she is a remarkable creature and has been a wonderful dog for Maria. Their love for one another is pure and total. Fate is a one-of-a-kind dog, and she is loved for it.

Zip makes me laugh and has opened a deep vein in my heart. He is teaching me about trust and love. I’m grateful for his presence in my life.

Bud is not like any other dog I’ve had.

He is the first small dog, bursting with courage, affection, and determination. He came to us from a dog Hell and has found peace and love and given it as well. Another kind of dog and animal love.

He feels sadness but also much joy, peace, and love. We love one another. Getting him to trust me took almost three years.

I can no longer imagine taking a nap without Zinnia at my feet and  Bud in my lap.