I grew up in a house of scientists and engineers so phrases like "Heart Dog" and "Rainbow Bridge" that you hear in the dog community often would be regularly dismissed in my house. But how else would you describe a dog that looks at you and sees you. Not the person you’re pretending to be. Not the person you’re aspiring to become. Not the person people think you are. They see you as you are today. They see all the scars, all the warts, all the faults and all those things you try to hide away. They see all the beauty, all the whimsey, and all the strength you have inside you. They see it all and they do something special. Not only do they make you feel loved. They make you realize that you are worth loving. Nova's Tale is the story of my heart dog. Or rather, a collection of stories from our lives together. It’s not a story that is remarkable because it is unique, but because all of us who have been lucky enough to find our heart dog will find familiar.