Ruthie's gift

I was never a "dog person" growing up. We always had cats. Dogs avoided me, and I avoided them. It wasn't a big deal I just didn't "get" dogs, or so I thought.

That all changed when I met Ruthie in 2011. I was 42 years old and she was 12. We became fast friends.

She was only in my life for a couple of years but we bonded pretty quickly. It was a moment I'll never forget.

I was reading a book to her. Well, I wasn't reading to her, but she would lay next to me while I'd read my stories and one day I started reading out loud and she seemed to like it.

After a while I replaced one of the character's names in the book with hers. Every time I mentioned her name she would wag her tail vigorously as her eyes watched me read through the pages. She was the best reading companion I've ever had. She got to hear a lot of great stories, too.

Some time later I was visiting a friend who had dogs and, as I sat down, his dogs came right up to me and we had a great little introduction.

It might sound crazy but somehow connecting with Ruthie changed my relationship with dogs in general. I was no longer an outsider. I had no idea what I was missing, but I am so grateful to have a loving connection with my canine friends today.

Ruthie lived a long, happy life but, unfortunately, we had to put her down due to cancer. I was holding her paw and looking into her eyes when she passed. It was a gut-wrenching and painful experience and my heart shattered into a million pieces that day but I know she's in a better place and out of pain.

Ruthie's gift will never be forgotten and I think about her every day. Especially as I train for the Chicago Marathon to help raise money for Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue as part of the 2015 Miles For Marley's Mutts Team.

The Marathon is only a couple of weeks away and I'm so close to my goal of raising $3,000 to help give less fortunate pups a second chance at life. Great cause, right?

I'm so lucky to have known Ruthie and today I have three beautiful mutts in my life: Bella, Captain, and Bailey.

I've dedicated my Chicago Marathon run to Ruthie (in spirit) and my three mutts at home. I'll be running to save puppies from death row and would love to have you participate.

Your part is easy! :)

Just go to:

http://www.crowdrise.com/2015marleysmuttschicago/fundraiser/ImAdamBailey

and donate $10, $20, or whatever you'd like, and The Loop newspaper will match the first $100 in donations!

WooHOO! Thanks, Loop!

Let's save some mutts!