If you're familiar with Greek mythology, you probably know the story of Odysseus (Ulysses). After the Trojan War ended, Odysseus sailed the seas for 20 long years, trying to return to his kingdom on the island of Ithaca. Finally, the odyssey ended and he was ashore.

Arduous suitors, thinking Odysseus was long dead, filled Ithaca, all vying for the hand of Odysseus' wife and queen, Penelope. Odysseus, changed beyond recognition by his travels, disguised himself as a beggar, fooling everyone he met, including his wife and son.

But there was one in the kingdom who recognized him: Argus, Odysseus' aged and dying hound dog. Unable to stand, Argus greeted the return of his master with perked ears and a wag of his old tail. His own journey of waiting completed, Argus died, happy at last.

That's how it is with dogs, isn't it? People will change, relationships fail, children move away, but your dog - well, your dog is loyal to his last breath. Imagine what the world would be like were people as loyal and steadfast as a canine companion. It's quite possible that many of the world's problems would evaporate.

-from "10 spiritual lessons you can learn from your dog", by Joanna Sandsmark

This is a book I got for my birthday from Yufei. I love it. I also love Danny, the mouse I got for my birthday from all my friends - but most of you probably know about that already. Thanks again guys for the best b'day ever. :)

This is a photo of Danny crawling around on my tummy