An Old Friend.




	I am looking at an old friend of mine as I write this. He has been one of my best friends for almost twelve years now. He has blessed my life with his loyalty, kindness, wisdom, and love since the day that I first met him. It doesn’t matter to me then that he has four legs instead of two, fur instead of clothes, and barks at me instead of talking to me.
	As I watch my friend sleeping in the sun, I can’t help but think of all the goodness he has brought into my life. He has been a protector of my children, a companion to all of my family and a fountain of love and affection to everyone he meets. He has been with me everyday through good times and bad. He has always reminded me that I am loved and showed me how to love at the same time. He has been more than just a little, 20 pound mutt that my father-in-law gave me. He has been rather a teacher, a friend, an angel in disguise, and a gift from God in my life and in my family’s lives.

	My friend has aged far quicker than me and has had more and more health problems over the years. I can see now the end approaching of his time with me. I am not sure how much longer we will have together before he passes from this world to await me in the next. One thing I do know, however, is that I will always thank God for bringing a tiny, mixed breed puppy into my life.
	This wonderful dog has showed me that it is natural to be joyous, that it is so easy to be loving, and that life is always wonderful when you choose to do both every single day. He has showed me again and again that you don’t have to be perfect to be loved and that you can be happy in spite of all the difficulties life throws at you. He has showed me that poor health and old age might affect the body, but they don’t have to diminish the spirit. He has shown me what it means to be a good friend and I will always cherish every single day we will have together.
	Joseph J. Mazzella