by wendy manry
Eulogy to My Best Friend
Last night my best friend passed away. As I receive the e-mails and tearful condolence calls from as far away as Miami, Seattle, and even Uganda, Africa, I am struck by what an incredible impact he had on so many people. I am not a Chicken Soup for the Soul kind of a person, but in light of his memory, I am going to take the opportunity to be sentimental, because there is something here for all of us to learn from. My best friend was successful in his life for the following reasons:
1. He always greeted everyone warmly.
2. He was always sad when people left.
3. He wasnt afraid to ham it up.
4. He took the time to play with children.
5. He made the best snow angels.
6. He never complained about anything. He just asked for what he needed.
7. He walked away from angry challenges and ignored hateful personalities.
8. He enjoyed a good meal.
9. He loved an adventure.
10. He wasnt afraid to snuggle, and would do so with anyone who wanted to.
He and I drove across this nation twice, rode horses over hundreds of miles, skied mountain trails, shared hamburgers, and were inseparable for eight years. He was loved by the friends and neighbors I met throughout this wonderful country, who invited him over for dinner, went walking together, bought him gifts for his birthday, and put their arm around him when they sat next to him. The most amazing thing about my best friend is that he was only a dog. He was a chocolate lab I rescued eight years ago. I adopted him after multiple owners decided they did not want him. Now that he is gone, many have told me how much they loved him. He was five when I found him and he died at the age of 13. In those short eight years, he brought a light to peoples eyes and a smile to their lips. If a mere canine can touch so many people during his short life, imagine what we infinitely more intelligent human beings could do over the course our lives? I love you Boomer, and I will remember you and the things you taught me for the rest of my days. Maybe I, too, can leave this world a better place, just as you did.