Chance and Jessica have two very different reasons for becoming part of my family, yet the love and joy they bring to my home is unmeasurable. Chance is a 6-year-old Irish Setter with epilepsy , whose owner suddenly died and Chance went 10 days without his medication to control seizures he was very ill but his will to live was stronger. Chance and his brother Chase ( Golden Retriever) who is 8 years old were taken in by my daughter Adrienne. They grew up together, never knowing anything other than each other and their owner. The gentleness and love that they have for each other brings tears to my eyes. Brotherly love at it’s best. Adrienne’s house is too small for both dogs and Chance weighs 98 lbs., so both orphaned dogs stayed at my house while they adjusted to their new home circumstances and were comfortable with their new people. Three weeks later, Adrienne took Chase to her home, which includes Knitty (Jessica’s sister), Miles and Lily, ( 2 of my grandchildren).  Chance has had numerous seizures and been to the Vet numerous times. He has advanced epilepsy so the seizures come in clusters. I am always stressed when he goes through these episodes. I never know if he is going to survive another set back. The love he brings me and my family is immeasurable. One of my favorite exploits of Chance is when he talks at or to me. If I am gone to long or have taken Jessica out and left him in the house he actually lets me know his dissatisfaction by “talking” at me forcefully it is so funny, other times when I am loving him and talking to him it actually sounds like he is saying “I love you”. What a dog! He is so HANDSOME too. Jessica is a 6 month old German Shepherd AKC registered but disqualified from competions because she is a “longcoat”.  She is the most BEAUTIFUL dog . I laugh at the stipulations on competing in the AKC shows because it reminds me of how we discriminate amongst ourselves as humans. The silliness of it all is truly astonishing at times. Jessica has long hair and she is black and tan. She is the sweetest and fiercest dog I have ever had. She loves to go for rides, play ball, catch a frisbee, swim, walk, play with the grandkids and Chance  and Chase and her sisters Knitty and Ali. However her biggest joy is in digging up my yard and chewing up anything she can.  A lot goes into providing for pet, however the joy they bring certainly outweighs the work. We humans can learn a lot about being human just by observing the love, loyalty and friendship that dogs show.  In my life I can say with certainty the Chance and Jessica are my best friends. How about you? Do you have a best friend that is furry?