The following is an excerpt from Robert Pasick's book Conversation With My Old Dog.

Lucy, you are honest and true.

You never resort to substances to cope with the exigencies of life. Nor do you swear, attack, watch porn flicks, cheat, lie.

Sure, you steal a bit of food when no one is looking.

You may not be perfect, but you are an inspiration to those of us who seek relief from cheap thrills, deceits and manipulations.

Nor are you self-righteous — a particularly unpardonable sin.

And you are so forgiving.

Oh, to be able to forgive and forget like a dog.

Maybe Jesus, who said to forgive someone 70 times seven, studied your species for His inspiration.

What do you do to forgive? And do you ever really forget those that you have forgiven?

Robert Pasick is a psychologist, author and executive coach living in Ann Arbor. He can be contacted at rob@leadersconnect.com. You can read more about his work at www.readthespirit.com/book-for-dog-lovers or at http://www.robertpasick.com.