This is our dog, Charlie.

Charlie doesn’t judge anybody by their color.
Or their sex.
Or their religion.
And though he sometimes barks more aggressively than he should,
Charlie doesn’t attack strangers.
Except maybe to slobber on them.
And he doesn’t suffocate people.
Except to smother them with affection.
Charlie also doesn’t use excessive force.
Except occasionally when playing tug-of-war with a chew toy.
And Charlie certainly does not fire tear gas or rubber (or worse) bullets indiscriminately at crowds.
Not ever. Not even once.
Charlie doesn’t demonize his political enemies.
Or threaten to murder or bomb anyone.
Except maybe squirrels (which is an issue we’re working on).
And Charlie does not endorse any form of decades or even centuries-old institutionalized racism or discrimination in our society that adversely affects or destroys the lives of countless people.
Charlie, simply put, wants people to be safe and to be happy and to be treated with kindness and dignity.
And Charlie wants to be your friend.
Because Charlie loves everyone.
So please, try to be like Charlie.

(Photo by Sarah Parker)