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He's not the runt of the litter. But he's not the pick of the pride either. He's no pure breed, just a standard issue mutt. Never met his parents, but he looks half Labrador half beagle to me. Nothing spectacular to look at, even his coat is plain beige from snoot to tip of tail. He's not the most intelligent animal on the planet. But in comparison to his predecessors he's Einstein. You throw a ball or a stick and he will fetch it and bring it back. He won't let you have it, but he will go through the moves. When he has to go, he lets you know. Even when he's sick he'll do his best to get let out before spilling his guts.

He's also loyal. He's never run away, he needs no leash, and every night can be found at the foot of my bed between my stinky sweaty feet. He wouldn't have it any other way. Trust me I've tried. Shut the bedroom door excluding him and all howl breaks loose until the situation is rectified.

Punctual is his middle name. He's never late, always there to meet and greet when I get home; ready, willing, and able to brush me off with his hyperactive tail. He's low maintenance and jumps for joy with the slightest praise. He's always in a good mood, with a smile for everyone and breath that could knock over a rhino. He's always been there for me even when I've failed to be there for him.

He begs for table scraps as if they're gold. He can convince you to give up a chunk of sirloin with eyes that'll make you weep. In dire cases adding a whimper and whine to his repertoire. He'll win you over unless you're made of stone. But he's never jumped up to steal a feast.

His only weakness would be chasing stray alley cats, yet he's never caught a single one. He will bark in the middle of the night, but not without just cause. He does shed, but surprisingly less than you're average hairy beast. So perfect that even fleas seem to keep to his huggable hide. I'd clone him if I could.

He's nothing special, but I couldn't begin to count everything I'll miss when he's gone. He's two feet high on fun, sixty five pounds of unconditional love. He's my Sam.

Learn more about this author, James Sarti.
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