Each and every time I see this scene play out in front of my house it causes a swirl of loving emotions in my heart. Often times, I will stand at the kitchen window or front door and take the time to watch this man and his dog walk by – it’s such a sweet moment that brings me so much joy.
For many years, having two dogs of my own, I didn’t interact with this man and his dog if I was outside. It was hard to do so because both my dogs were often barking at the ‘intruder’ walking by.
About three months ago I was putting something away in my car when I saw them coming down the street. I waited. I wanted to catch a closer glimpse of this tiny dog who is often decked out in either a purple polar fleece coat or this red jacket she is wearing in the photo.
I also wanted to know her name. I enjoy finding out the names of dogs and so often they seem to fit just perfectly. Not having a dog of my own right now, it makes me happy when I can interact with another dog if even for only a few short moments.
The man shuffled toward me and was chuffing on a cigarette as he often is. I suspect that when he walks the dog it’s also his smoking break and perhaps he’s not allowed to smoke in the house.
I said, “Your dog is so cute. What’s her name?”
The man’s face lit up as he excitedly said, “Her name is Ruby!”
“What kind of dog is she?”
“She’s a min-pin. She’s our second one. We rescued her.”
“She’s adorable. I love seeing you walk by with her.”
“She’s a good girl,” he said.
“I can see that.” Crouching down to the dog’s level I said, “It’s nice to meet you, Ruby.”
She wasn’t so sure what to think of me and hid behind the man’s legs. So I let her have her space.
The man bent over and picked her up. I could then see her face which was as tiny as could be with her dainty ears that bent forward and her soft black eyes. This endeared her to me even more.
“What a sweetheart,” I said.
And off he shuffled, inhaling another puff of his cigarette as Ruby’s spindly legs paced beside him.
I smiled watching them walk away. Her name fit her just right, I thought. Ruby with her red coat quite magical is she as she just does her thing being a dog and this always impacts my heart with so much love.
XO,
Barbara
