I have always shared my life with a dog. Ever happy to see you, so loyal and protective. Sadly their life span is so much less than ours, resulting in several sad losses.
May I introduce my current best friend "Monty "
He was just a little puppy so we had to go through the normal rigours of house training etc, but he was a quick learner and still very adept at getting just one more treat.
The difficult part is leaving him at home, when I have to go out. As soon as I reach for my shoes he gives me that melancholy look, saying " please don't go" But then you get the happy greeting when you return, although lately he is sleeping and opens one eye with a little wag of the tail.
Under the old adage of seven man years equals one dog year we are now the same age. Lets hope we can enjoy our twilight years together..