My sister and I went to our friends’, friends’ house. (This was the first time meeting her) We had to all walk through the kitchen to get to the back yard. As I walked, I saw a big-tan dog from the corner of my eye laying under the table. I am usually nervous around dogs of that size, but with this one I was not. I just smiled and kept on walking.

Once we got outside and seated, I mentioned how I thought the dog was beautiful. The girl looked at me and said, “What dog?” I said, “The big one that was under the table.” She looked at me with her head slightly tilted and a face of confusion. I was thinking to myself, “Did I say something wrong?”

She lit her cigarette and said, “Are you sure you saw a dog?” I said, “I am pretty sure!” She then asked me, “What color was he?” I replied, “He was a nice tan, why?!”
She got up from her chair and went back inside. I was now confused myself. Why was she acting weird and where did she go?!

A few minutes later she came back out. She was holding a picture in her hand. She asked me, “Is this the dog you saw?” I looked at it and said, “I believe so, why?” She sat down and said,” He was the best dog I have ever had. He passed away a few years ago, but I could swear I still feel him around from time to time.”

Well, we were all floored. I guess this confirmed her feelings of him being around. It made her feel good knowing he is still with her. It bought tears to her eyes, but they were happy tears.

I believe that animals have strong connections to us. And I do believe they, like other loved ones who have passed, watch over us and await our arrival.