His name was Bodhi. He was born on December 2, 1993 on a farm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania We chose each other on the farms kitchen floor I had a whole future in front of me and he wanted to go along for the ride The first two nights neither of us slept much We went for long walks and I had to carry him back As he grew so did I We moved to the beach together and then to a farm in Chadds Ford We had even longer walks in the country, but now he made it all the way He chased deer, killed a possum, and saved a small dog from drowning We met Diane and we both knew she was the one I loved her, he loved her cooking He stood with us at marriage and even went on the honeymoon We built a home together and he gained a brother and sister He grew old and so did I He was always gentle and eager to please, even near the end He let me know his journey was near an end, I listened He died in my arms peacefully His ride is over, mine will continue without him He was, and always will be, my best friend... ROB MAYER, MAY 2006