Entry #2                                                       Love at first sight

               It was June 20th, 2011. I had married the man of my dreams just 4 months ago. After a crazy bureaucratic run for a visa and a passport in India, I was finally meeting my husband in the U.S. I was excited beyond words. But little did I know that I was about to meet someone special. Someone who would make me believe in "love at first sight".

                Jasper was my husband's best friend and soon to be my best friend as well. He had big deep eyes, sculpted body, and a distinctive manly scent to him. He gave the biggest wettest kiss of all.  He was the most stylish soccer player I ever knew. He was kind and considerate beyond words.  As we became best friends for life, he also became one of my greatest teachers.

                Jasper was a rescue puppy. He was 2 weeks old when my husband adopted him. He was 8 when I first met him. Jasper was apprehensive of me to began with, but we bonded. We were inseparable in a month. And that is where I learnt several things from him.

                 He taught me patience. He would wait patiently all day for me and my husband to return from school and work. He never questioned when we were late. His big eyes lit up every time we came home. His tail wagged with joy.  It did not matter to him if we left him for 10 minutes or ten hours he was always delighted to see us home. He taught me humility.  He taught me to look beyond myself and find true joy in making others happy. He taught me to be happy with the most basic necessities of life. He taught me to share and be a team player. He would bring all his toys every time we have a guest especially young kids. He taught me unquestionable trust. He never argued with any decision I made for him. He never liked his visits to the veterinarian. His tail went between his legs and he heaved big sighs. But ever time I told him "lets go" he believed in me and went.  But above all, he taught me the purest form of love.  The form I believe is divine. He taught me to love without any expectations. He never asked for any gifts, treats, or worldly possessions.  Instead, he showered me with his selfless love. It's his 11th birthday in two weeks. I am glad he is a part of my life. He continues to teach me valuable lessons of life and help me become a better person. Happy Birthday big guy!!