Goodbye to our Good Man Rufus.

My good man, Rufus, taught me that I was a member of a pack. In his eyes we all had our jobs and roles to adhere to and somehow his expectations raised the bar. He was happiest when his pack was all together, everyone was happy and preferably paying attention to him.  Our pack looks to each for affirmation, affection, love and belonging. These are basics and at most times, as a pack, we provide all of these things without even realizing it. Rushing out the door was slowed by him. Just one more pet and kiss on the head. Walking in the door, anticipating his huge grinning face and the greeting of his extremely short energetic tail would inevitably put a smile on my own face. Rufus was there always; underfoot, shadowing, “helping”, guarding. The doorbell. That anticipation of “Who’s next?”  Like a bullet, straight to it, taking everything in his path out. If he wanted it then he was fast, if not, then painfully slow.   I am so grateful for all of the joy, laughs and love he gave us. We have lost a member of our pack who taught us a little bit more than we expected about the joy of slowing down for hugs and kisses and speeding up for  the excitement of the adventures to come.  Goodbye to our good man Rufus.