Of all the dogs we own (12 on our farm plus some others) Essie is my favorite. Considering how amazing each one of our dogs are, it's hard to pick a favorite. It has to be something more than good looks, great personality, etc. There is just some sort of connection between us. Essie happens to be our largest breeding female. At over 115 pounds, she's a lot of dog. She also happens to be my favorite color pattern . . . classic black and tan (although a little heavy on the black for some people.) She's got a great build with a tall stance, straight back and deep chest. Essie has a heavy bone structure so she is sturdy and fun to roughhouse with (although she is by nature quite calm.) At 6 months, she was the youngest dog of any breed ever to earn her AKC Canine Good Citizenship at the Oak Ridge Kennel Club. She was the first dog we were able to teach to catch a Frisbee. Essie is named for Queen Esther in the Bible and she really has a rather regal air about her. And yet, for all that, she's my favorite because of all the dogs, she likes me the best. I mean, of all the dogs, she's the one who is looking at me when I get home. Of all the dogs, she's the one who want's to snuggle and give kisses. Isn't it amazing how easy it is to love and give preference to someone who loves us? . . . Sadly, it seems harder for us to love and prefer those who do not love us or treat us well. . . . And even more sadly, considering how much God loves us and lavishes His attention and goodwill on us, why do we have such a resistance to loving God with all our heart and all our mind and all our soul and all our strength? . . . . . . .
