“Let me be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.” – Unknown

They’re our friends. Our companions. Our buddies. From mangy mutts to unblemished purebreds – what makes a dog a man’s best friend?

Maybe it has something to do with loyalty. Dogs seem to love us, no matter what. Over thousands of years, dogs have been bred to be the perfect companion animals. They listen to us. (Just look at the way a dog tilts his head to one side and raises his eyebrows when you speak to him.) They’re austere in their willingness to obey, yet playfully aloof. A hunting dog lives to point, flush and retrieve game – yet at the end of the day, is perfectly content chasing a ball or stick for hours on end.

Kevin and Roxie

Dogs definitely have their own unique personalities – and can certainly alter our own. CPA Kevin Armstrong usually brings his dog, Foxie Roxie Refund (or Roxie, for short) to work every day. “According to my staff, (she) has mellowed me, and made me nicer to be around in the office,” he explains. “As a companion, she compliments me to a level hard to explain.”

Not only has Roxie had a positive influence on Kevin’s life, he pretty much saved hers by keeping her around. Apparently, she was born with a deformed leg and was destined to go to the pound if no one wanted her. But that certainly hasn’t slowed little Roxie down. In addition to interacting with clients, vendors and staff at his office, Kevin also takes Roxie to numerous events around town. “She also hosts bicycle rides, like the Chili Repeat Ride in Goshen,” says Kevin. “She has also volunteered at Starfire Council (a local organization that enables people with disabilities to become active members of the community) by interacting with the members.”

“I’ve never understood why women love cats. Cats are independent, they don’t listen, they don’t come in when you call, they like to stay out all night, and when they’re home they like to be left alone and sleep. In other words, every quality that women hate in a man, they love in a cat.” – Jay Leno

Local musician Craig Wilson found companionship in a sheepdog mix named Bailey. “I met Bailey at Boone County Animal Shelter,” he recalls. Not long after adopting him, Bailey needed surgery to remove a .22 caliber bullet from his front leg. From that moment, Craig was determined to give Bailey the best possible life he could.

Bailey covered in apple blossoms

“Bailey got to go everywhere I went (almost). We loved the patio at Karlo’s (Italian Bistro) in Florence, he liked shopping at Petsmart, he got to go to Put-in-Bay and Chicago. We enjoyed each other’s company.”

With a busy schedule (playing frequent gigs at Grand Victoria Casino, John Phillip’s in Crestview Hills and sitting in with numerous local bands), Bailey was a fixture in Craig’s studio. “He was a great studio dog. He liked music, but loved people.”

Bailey got along well with the other members of Craig’s extended “family” – his wife’s dog, Daisy Dog; Dakota, a Great Pyrenees; a cat; and four chickens. “Are chickens pets?” Craig asks.

Sadly, Craig lost Bailey in January of this year. Commenting on a memorial photo album on his Facebook page, Craig wrote “Thanks to you my friends who share this bittersweet feeling. I know you too have loved and been loved.”

For the moments they shared, Craig is eternally grateful. As is any dog owner who knows that sense of loss.

“I guess you don’t really own a dog, you rent them; and you have to be thankful that you had a long lease.” – Joe Garagiola

Maybe that’s the toughest thing about dog ownership: they don’t live as long as we do. For all of the years of unabashed love and companionship, maybe the best we can do is give them the very best life possible while we’re together. It’s a pretty strong life lesson, actually; to savor every moment. And realize that life’s most beautiful moments can be even more beautiful, depending on with whom you share them.

Bailey Dog

As Kevin Armstrong says, “Enjoy your dog, but more importantly get to know your dog. Each has likes and dislikes as you do. Make time for your friend and share their joy and the rewards will be plentiful.”

A dog is more than just an animal. He’s a faithful companion. Dogs teach us how to live our lives to the fullest. To run and play until we’re exhausted. To sit and listen. To be loyal and true to those closest to us, no matter what. To make the most of the short time we have on this planet. And, most importantly, to truly appreciate those wonderful moments when life throws us a bone.