On December 13, 2003, we drove to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport to pick up Bob. I was concerned that the arduous flight may have an impact on him, but my worries were unwarranted. Once down on the ground and able to explore, Bob's inherent confidence and captivating presence were inspiring. Nothing flustered that 14 pound package of fluff; he took everything in stride. Bob greeted everyone he met with equaled enthusiasm and happily accepted his newfound family without a moment's reserve. The final leg of Bob's journey was spent curled up on my lap sleeping. After traveling 1850 miles (2975 km) over 13½ hours, Bob was finally home, fully rested and ready to play.
Bob quickly bonded with Joey and became the proverbial "pesky little brother". He took whatever Joey showed an interest in. He ate from his bowl. He slept pressed up against him. He wanted to play all the time. Joey couldn't move without Bob underfoot, and Bob wouldn't let Joey out of his sight.
As Bob grew, so did their friendship. They became inseparable comrades, not because of mutual desire, but as a result of Bob's tenacious determination to be with Joey at all times. The two formed an accord. Bob revered Joey, and Joey accepted Bob's adoration, reciprocating with perpetual patience.
Bob's coat was absolute perfection, suited for this climate like no other. Bob loved the extreme cold and the snow. It was difficult to convince the wee pup that -18° F (-28° C) was not within my comfort zone. Thankfully, Joey stepped in and happily assumed the role of Bob's outdoor guardian.
Bob's first encounter with a toddler was at the vet's office where the 14 week-old pup found himself eye to eye with a 14 month-old tot. Bob instinctively dropped to his belly, with his chin on the floor he watched in silence as the toddler veered in his direction. The little boy toddled over to Bob, teetered, and then lost his balance. As he tumbled forward his outstretched hand slapped Bob on the head before it automatically clenched shut. The little boy regained his balance using a Bob as a stabilizing force. With black tufts of fur clutched tightly between chubby fingers, the tot stood up, shrieked and then relinquished his grip on Bob, who lay silently wagging his tail.
Bob was a legacy of love. A daily reminder of all that is good in this world. He was a playful pup with an infectious enthusiasm for life. He was a demonstrative soul that exuded unadulterated joy with each wag of his tail. Bob loved everyone, and everyone loved Bob.
Tragically, his time with us was short. At the tender age of eight months, just three weeks after losing Joey, and ten months after losing Webster, Bob passed away. Not only were we left broken hearted, we were left without a dog. Never had our home felt so empty. The void in our family was immeasurable.