To our forever loved and cherished Ruby…..
Our hearts ache beyond belief at your sudden departure.  In just a few seconds we watched you slip out of our lives forever. And before you left us, you wagged your tail – even when you were mortally wounded.  Mom and Dad are having such a hard time without you.  You have been our most beloved and amazing companion.  We can’t imagine life without you.  Our house is a monument of stained glass, portraits, sculptures, photographs, sailing trophies – all in YOUR name.  There’s a sailboat in Marina Del Rey named after you with your likeness all over the sails and blankets.  And your own life jacket and tether to keep you safe when you sailed with us.  You have been a tireless companion of Mom when she was in her worst depression, and when she was in bed recovering from hip surgery.  You never asked for anything in return for your profound and unconditional love and affection.  I never tired of making up whistles and songs and rhymes about you, and a million silly other names.  Greeting you with ‘go go go’ and ‘come come come’ in the hallway after work.  The depth of your gaze is the most amazing thing.  I lost myself looking into your beautiful, empathic, and understanding eyes.  We honored and loved you and protected you, until that last moment that we will replay in our minds as long as we live, as we endlessly say to ourselves ‘what-if’ ‘what-if’ as we watch the tragedy unfold in slow motion knowing there must have been a way to save you. You had a vet check-up just 10 days before your senseless death, and everything looked great!  You were very healthy with many years ahead of being with Mom and Dad, and all the kids and grandkids.  Chloe can’t stop lying next to your things, and neither can me and mom.  Chloe misses you terribly-in her own way.  She does her best.  Mom and I are sadder than we have ever been in our lives and don’t even know what to do.  You were the cement of our own relationship with each other.  No doggie (sorry not a dog, a deity) was ever loved as much as you.  There will not be a day that goes by for the rest of our lives that we don’t think of you and all the memories of our time together.  We thought we had so much more time with you.  We were looking forward to making you comfortable and loved for years to come, and to have the privilege of caring for you when you became weak and old years from now, just as we helped you after your back surgeries with your stroller and physical therapy.  We had so many more wonderful days with you to look forward to.  Mom and Dad are so sad, we don’t think we will ever stop feeling the pain of losing you.  The love in your gazing amazing eyes, your soft fur, your sweet sweet kisses, your proud chest, sacred belly, and your amazing tail and feet!  We love you forever.  And in just a ‘minnie’ we will see you again over the rainbow bridge.