by Hal Cody
My Best Friend
When I first learned you existed, I was unsure.
I had just lost my best friend.
Your breeder had kept you in a kennel for your first year.
I can only imagine the lonliness you must have felt.
I heard all the "bad" things about you.
Not house trained, not socialized, very shy, etc.
Then I met you.
I gazed into those big brown eyes and was captivated.
After spending some time with you, I bade you farewell.
I wasn't sure about you, and felt it best to wait.
I kissed you right between the eyes and was scolded by your breeder.
She said "Never kiss a dog you don't know, but with him it's OK."
For the next week I mulled my decision around in my brain.
Should I adopt him? Can I deal with his faults?
But I was already hooked on you from our kiss.
It was the way you looked at me.
Wary of a stranger, but eternal hope in your eyes.
Hope that you will find YOUR best friend.
I decided to go back to the breeder and adopt you.
The whole way home, some three hours, you stared at me.
Curled up like a bug on the floor board of my convertable.
Your fist night was restless. You weren't sure where you were.
I was troubled you didn't like me.
I phoned your breeder, and she said "let him sleep with you."
So, the next night I brought you to our bedroom and patted the mattress with my hand.
You sprang up in delight and buried your head in my neck.
That has been our ritual ever since.
From that moment on you dedicated your life to me.
What an honor your unwavering love.
How can I ever repay you?
I will always be in your debt.
Your Best Friend