Little Ruby has been in my life for seven years. She was a pretty hyperactive young dog but always has been a very good girl and now that she is getting into middle age, she is becoming sweeter every day. My sister kept her last week while I was on vacation and decided that she wants to get a dog if it's just like Ruby. I explained to her that puppies aren't like that, that they have to be potty trained and taught to have manners and then most of them won't calm down for five years anyway.

Ruby usually doesn't act like she is interested in me, she won't snuggle with me but likes men better, especially those who have goatees. I guess because I am her 'mom', that familiarity breeds contempt. I've been told this is what it's like to have a teenage child, being underappreciated all the time. However, when I get home from work, she is very excited to see me and lets me give her a belly rub. Sometimes I scoop her up and hold her like a little baby and talk to her in baby talk. She lets me do this for a minute or two before getting annoyed with me.

The love I have for that little dog strengthens every year. When she passes, I'll probably be devastated.

Every morning when I back my car out of the driveway on the way to work, she stands at the fence and watches me intently. It breaks my heart every single day. I don't want to leave her alone, she is too sweet and good.