THE BESTEST GOOD BOY
A Lifetime of Dog Years With Tommy
The life and times of my black-and-white guardian angel
It’s been ten years, and, as always in December, Tommy’s been on my mind. I thought about him as we trimmed the tree with the pictures and dog tags of the six dogs we’ve lived with over the past 22 years. I thought about him as we ate a tuna casserole one Sunday in December because tuna was his very favorite food, so much so that when we visit his grave we bring a can of tuna instead of flowers.
I thought about Tommy when I saw another split-face Border Collie galloping exuberantly down the street, panting human in tow. Tommy brought so much to my life and taught me so much. In a season of love, joy, peace, reflection, and gratitude, I owe him thanks.
We’ve always said that Tommy was a person. Not that there is anything whatsoever wrong with being a dog; they are a blessing no matter their abilities or temperament. I’ve never met a dog I didn’t love — even the one or two who lunged at me with murder in their eyes. They had their reasons.
There was something deeply empathetic about Tommy’s bond with me, especially in the early months after I brought him home. Though he gave other humans and dogs his love and loyalty, I was always Tommy’s best friend in this…
