Today I bought swordfish, with that comes a mirage of memories of my golden Ruby. Swordfish was her favorite; she would lunge into the kitchen when she smelt it and wag her tail and smile with anticipation knowing that I had bought her her very own portion. Her joy was my joy.

So today I couldn’t help but think of her. Later as my youngest and I were walking our newest golden Oliver, I told him the dinner plan. He smiled- “Ah, Ruby’s favorite!” We then shared some fond memories. A reddish car swished by the last letters of the license plate were RBY- “hmmm that is definitely a sign” I mused as I had no reason whatsoever to even look at the license plate…

An hour or so later I’m wasting time on Facebook with mindless distraction when my “memories” appear from 10 years ago. “House Ruby” it says- “No one loves you like a dog!” I can just hear her- ‘Just in case you missed my first sign.’

She was a beautiful dog and is a beautiful soul. She has appeared in my morning meditations leading the pack of animals that have graced my life making it richer and deepening my love for myself. When someone loves you so much you must believe you are worth loving.

 Indeed, I aspire to love others like a dog, unconditionally and with enthusiasm- but perhaps without the wet nose.