I’ve studied attachment theory for years and am always fascinated by the reasons we are drawn to adopt one dog or another, or choose a big dog versus a small one. Visiting the SiIicon Valley Humane Society, I was drawn to Ruby, one of three pups in a litter. She was a bit shy, but very sweet and I have  never owned a small dog or been drawn to one. But something in me wanted to take Ruby home. I have three dogs, that’s the right number for me and I didn’t push it too hard. Maria was flabbergasted that I was interested in this dog.  Something about her eyes, I think. They seemed sad and pleading to me, an other of those projections that cause people to bring animals home. I knew Ruby would be adopted – the nice people at the SVHS e-mailed me that she was adopted the day I left Palo Alto by a single woman who wanted an only dog who would be her “Princess.” Sounds like a good match.

I didn’t think of Ruby all that much when we left California, cute puppies don’t usually last long in shelters. I’m glad she was adopted, and I’m glad we don’t have four dogs. There are enough animals here and they all deserve our care and attention.