Always together in love

Dog mom faces end of friendship

“When you’re the best of friends “Sharing all that you discover “When these moments have passed “Will that friendship last “Who can’t say there’s a way “Oh, I hope, I hope it never ends “‘Cause you’re the best of friends”

— Songwriters Stan Fidel and Richard Oliver Johnston; performed by Pearl Bailey

When I was a kid, my favorite Disney movie was “The Fox and the Hound.” I cherished animals and nature, and the story endeared me to the two creatures that, by the world’s standards, weren’t supposed to be friends. To this day, hearing Pearl Bailey sing “When You’re the Best of Friends” can reduce me to an unintelligible tissue-laden blob. Deep, meaningful connection is one of life’s greatest gifts.

I’ve had many friendships — some lifelong, and some for a season. And there’s one to which I am clinging these days with both hands.

Baxter came home with me nearly 14 years ago. He was 8 weeks old and wide-eyed with discovery as to what this big world held for him. I was newly on my own and wide-eyed with discovery as to what this big world held for me. We were a perfect match.

Together, Baxter and I set sail on life’s adventures. We traveled over 30,000 miles together. We shared a sandwich at Pike’s Peak. We bought cowboy boots and a toy pig at a rodeo in Colorado. We slept in grand hotels and utter dives across America. He was there when the divorce was final. There where my mama died. There when I danced in sock feet to Bon Jovi at 2 a.m., and there at my law office when I typed documents and paid bills. He was always … there.

Many a conversation was struck because of Baxter in tow. Folks gravitated toward him on our walks around the square. Residents at my mama’s nursing home would talk with him in ways they spoke to no one else. He had no agenda — he wasn’t there to poke, pill or prod them, but rather, to give them a place to land their love. He was simply … there.

I’ve had many dogs before, and I’ve loved them all, but they were outside dogs that guarded our home and played in the back yard. I’d never had an “inside” dog until Bax. He has been my constant companion. Even Trapper John knew from our first date that he’d have to win Baxter’s affection before he could win mine. The dog stays before the man.

My sweet boy is slowing down, and I know there will come a day when we are no longer side by side. That day is not today, but it is coming. And we are reminded that it was always coming, from the moment we were born and opened our hearts to love another, that someday we will have to part. But the love goes on.

Bax lost his eyesight recently, and he smells his way in search of me. And I’m here. I’m always right here. That’s what friends are for.

Baxter