Your Girl Friday International

He was a black Labrador just about one year old when he entered my life. As most dogs who lived with us, he tried to talk to us and generally wanted to participate with us in all activities. We took him camping, fishing, swimming, basically he was a constant companion. I was an avid swimmer since infancy. As a toddler and young girl I was known to be a streaker baby whenever near a body of water. My philosophy was “Bathing suit? who has time for that? There’s water!!! ” Bear would plunge into the water too. Enjoying the icy river. I would be safe because Bear was a vigilant babysitter and bark to let the adults know if I was in trouble. After we got out, my mother would check my neck for gills teasing me for a mermaid.

Bear also loved to play Santa on Christmas mornings. He…