A Christmas Tribute to My Best Friend

"The dog of your boyhood teaches you a great deal about friendship, and love, and death: Old Skip was my brother. They had buried him under our elm tree, they said — yet this wasn't totally true. For he really lay buried in my heart. "

-Willie Morris, My Dog Skip

These past few months have been a whirlwind of ups and downs, both good and bad. I began the month of September pursuing my Master's degree at a beautiful university in a beautiful new city, and have met many wonderful, unique people along the way. I spent my days in the library and my weekends and nights out exploring the city with friends. But, eventually, I grew homesick and when Thanksgiving came around, I couldn't wait to visit with friends and family...and of course, my beautiful black lab, Ben...back home. Unfortunately, it was during this weekend back home that I learned my best friend had passed away.

Over the summer I noticed he was growing tired and was beginning to show his age, though he still had a skip, hop and a jump in his step. Then Fall rolled around and his 'kids' went off to school. He started slowing down and slept most of the days away. He passed away on a crisp autumn afternoon when the leaves were starting to turn their rich golden colours.

Yesterday night I came home from Christmas shopping and on my way in the house, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a star twinkling. I am sure that star will follow me forever, and keep a watchful eye over me.

Ben, I will love you and miss you forever.

Goodbye my sweet friend.