Jessica my beautiful and beloved girl joined our family in January 2013 when she was 6 weeks old.

She was born November 24,2012. She exited our lives on May 16,2023. Nothing can fill the space she owns in my heart. It will always be her space. So many memories and photos of the love she brought her family. It would be impossible to choose just one memory. Google photos put together a photo memory slide show of Jess this morning. I watched it and my tears had a mind of their own. The loss is deeply etched in my soul. Nothing can replace the love and loyalty dogs bring to their person. I was lucky to be Jess’ person. She loved her entire tribe and her entire tribe loved her. Even though I miss her cry and smile at her memories, my heart is a heart that loves. The capacity to love expands when we allow ourselves to be. Jess brought me eleven years of joy. My wounded yet compassionate heart expanded. On June 13, 2023 I adopted a rescue girl from the Capital Area Humane Society. This sweet girl was named Rainbow by the staff. We love her name. We call her Rae. She loves to be snuggled.

Every dog has a special personality. Jessica was protective of her tribe. Wary & Reserved of people. (Relatable). Rae is shy, scarred, scared and submissive. I see she also has a stubborn trait under all the shyness. Once she feels the safety and love of her tribe she will blossom into this beautiful stubborn creature full of love and loyalty. A unique yet welcomed member of my tribe.

Rae is 5 months old. She has enormous paws & weighs 35 pounds already. When she was free to roam in her new backyard the grass thrilled her. (So did my garden) She makes me smile. My heart has expanded. Rae owns her space there now.

I will watch her grow and embed in my tribe. I will grow too. Watching her playful antics, enjoying her hugs and snuggles. I choose to accept the gift she brings to my life.

Rae is family.