[1982-1994]

, a colorful friend!

It was a sunny spring day that I found a close friend. There he was, about 9 pounds of life, sitting with his litter mates. His temporary nursery was a cardboard box, in the warmth of a garage. It did not take a great deal of thought to pick my friend, as he instantly appealed to me. He was a reflection of myself, sitting alone observing the others in his world, from the safetyn of a corner. He was a rebel disguised as a loner.

With a gentle touch, and the appearance of a giant, I held his warm spotted body in the safety of my arms. Friends at first sight. I handed over the $50.00 dollars, and walked away, not realizing this was the best deal in my life!

Orbit, a name selected for his uncontrollable desire to break into a full speed chase of his tail, until the resulting dizziness caused an eventual loss of balance. This was a phenomenon to observe. A dalmatian puppy, chasing his tail with such speed that the spots seemed to melt away. Like a ride at the fair, he would start out slowly, then within seconds be at full speed,to end with the wobbly effect we all buy tickets for.

Life was a never ending fascination for my friend. Today I look back at all the love and interest he displayed, which was taken for granted. There are a few words that are universal to dogs that establish instant bonding. They seem to be born with the ability to understand the words "treat" and "go for...", the "walk" part appears optional. Every morning Orbit's day started with "treat" but many times did not include a walk in the day's plan. He never complained, just accepted whatever happened, and continued to enjoy life, in his own way.

The days passed, as did the years, and Orbit's life remained a great deal more predictable than any humans. Sleeping, eating, playing, and appreciating his home and adopted family. An occassional destructive episode, to ensure his presence was known, or perhaps to vent frustration, was tolerated. He enjoyed the game of hide and seek, particularly if he disappeared into a closet to find a lost love amongst the laundry. Those are fond and precious memories of the games dogs play with humans.

Orbit never aged in my eyes. The years just passed, and the attachment between us grew stronger. Then mortality surfaced in the form of cancer, and I was victimized by the consequences of life. Life is terminal, as was Orbit's cancer. I put forth the efforts necessary to bring a pardon to his sentence, but the prosecution by cancer won. Orbit left my world while I was away on business. There were no last goodbyes, just distant tears.

Today I reflect, and better understand the value of life, and man's best friend. I was Orbit's best friend.

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"Dakota"Lisa and Jayson's special friend.

Revised June 16, 1996  (c) Chuck Raven

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