A Buddy for Life

Dogs and kids, they go together, don't they?

I remember when we decided to get my daughter Melissa a puppy. I don't know who was more excited, she or I. The pup we got was the so-called runt of the litter, but he sure was cute. His mom was a German shepherd, but he looked nothing like her. His dad was obviously a golden retriever. We suspected he might have some husky in him too. He's very fluffy, loves the snow, and has a broad chest - a great attribute for pulling, as my daughter would find out.

We decided to name the pup Buddy because, of course, he was going to be our Buddy. It was March when we brought him home, a very sloppy time of year. The snow was starting to melt with puddles of water and mud everywhere. Being a dog who likes to run, Buddy would splash through the puddles with his big paws, and then track into the kitchen decorating the floor with his giant paw prints. As most pups, Buddy loved to romp and play. Running up and down our back alley seemed to be his favorite pastime.

Buddy continued to grow. When we first got him, Melissa was able to hold him and even carry him around a bit, but we could clearly see that was going to come to an end real soon! As the spring days grew longer, Bud grew fluffier, bigger and stronger. It was difficult for Melissa to walk him because, at least in terms of weight, Buddy was almost as big as she was. I ended up walking Buddy with Melissa because he could very easily pull Melissa right over if he decided to chase a bird or squirrel.

Eventually snow melted, and the puddles dried up. Buddy still loved to romp in the alley. Melissa had gotten roller blades for Christmas and had tried them out on the sidewalk. In fact, she had become pretty good at rollerblading up and down the sidewalks. One day she thought it might be even more fun to rollerblade up and down the alley because there was a hill to glide down. Better yet! Buddy could pull her around on the rollerblades, and it would be a great ride. Always ready to romp, Buddy was eager to take part in this new athletic adventure.

Off they went, Melissa with rollerblades on and leash in hand, and Buddy excited to romp. Melissa didn't realize Buddy could run so fast! He bounded up and down the alley, and she held on for dear life. As I stood on the deck, I heard squeals of sheer delight. They both loved every minute of this rollerblading adventure. To this day, Melissa still says to me, "I can't believe you let met do that!"

Melissa has grown up, gotten married, and moved out. She has a dog of her own now. Buddy, now seventeen years old, still loves to go walk for walks, but now he just dreams about running. His wild puppy days are gone, but he still wags his tail as he watches the neighborhood kids running and playing.

In his heart, Buddy is out there running with them. I hope when I get old I can be as young at heart as he is.

At the age of 17 years old, Buddy died August 20, 2009, and we miss him so much. He will remain in our hearts forever.