:18:04
That night, lying in bed
before sleep...
:18:07
...l felt the beating of his heart
against my body.
:18:11
And though I didn't know it then,
he was to change my life forever.
:18:15
My dog, Skip.
:18:17
My best and most steadfast friend.
:18:35
Skip and I instantly
became the best of friends.
:18:39
He didn't mind that
I was scrawny and shy...
:18:42
...or that I liked books
a whole lot more than football.
:18:47
It was unconditional love
on both our parts.
:18:51
You've grown almost 2 inches.
:18:58
You could talk to him as well as
you could talk to many human beings.
:19:02
And much better than
you could talk to some.
:19:05
He'd sit down, look you
straight in the eye...
:19:08
...and when he understood you,
he'd turn his head sideways.
:19:13
I watched Skip grow from the puppy
who came to me from a farm...
:19:17
...into a sleek and dexterous,
affectionate dog.
:19:20
Skip became a true member
of the family.
:19:30
We played games together,
did household chores.
:19:33
That's my boy.
:19:39
Even my father had to admit...
:19:41
... Skip was an exceptional dog.