Introduction

When our best friend Bear died after eleven years with us, my wife, JoBelle, beat herself up for months because we never fulfilled our promise to take him to see the ocean.
“We told him so many times we would take him,” she said. “He would have loved to run in the surf. But we never seemed to find the time.”
I, on the other hand, berated myself for not taking him to Paris—although that promise was more to make me happy than him. When I was in France, I missed Bear as I watched other dog lovers enjoy having their companions right by their sides in cheese shops, restaurants, boutiques, cafès, and wine bars. I wanted him to be there with me.
Looking back, I think we treated Bear lovingly for all those years, but I still have nagging doubts whenever I see people enjoying an event or activity with their dogs that he and I never shared. When I visit his grave in our yard, I find myself apologizing for not doing more with him. I have come to realize, though, as I look back on the wonderful times we shared together, that it’s not about regrets but about memories—good memories.
And that’s what I hope you’ll discover on the follow­ing pages: things to do with or for your best friend to make him or her happy, and things that will create last­ing memories for you.

2.lay on a blanket together and gaze at the stars
Your dog is probably not used to being out with you after dark, so this will be an exciting adventure.
Wait for a crystal clear night. Find a quiet spot for quiet thoughts. Don’t bring treats; you’ll want your dog to concentrate and meditate, too.
As you gaze upward, you’ll find you can’t help but experience wonder. The wonder of stars, the wonder of life—the wonder of dogs.

3.tell your dog a secret nobody else knows
It doesn’t have to be a deep, dark secret. Something light and frivolous will do, as long as no one else knows it. There’s something special about being able to whisper, “It’s just between the two of us.”
You know you can trust this friend not to tell. And, even more impor­tantly, not to judge you, either.

4.build a snowdog together
Sometimes it’s cold outside, and we use that as an excuse not to take our friend out as often as we should. Here’s an activity that will make you look forward to the frosty weather: build a snowdog, modeled to look like your favorite furry friend. Build a snowman, too, with a stick for a leash to walk the snowdog.
Your creation might not last long, but there’s no need to bring a cam­era along to record it for posterity. Even though it will melt soon, your memories won’t.

5.take your dog with you on vacation
There’s nothing worse than the “we shouldn’t have left Rosco home” feeling.
It doesn’t have to be Las Vegas or London or Rome. It’s not about the destination; it’s about sharing the experience. A weekend at a bed and breakfast in the country or a big city “dogs welcome” hotel would suffice. Before you head to your destination, research dog-friendly acco­modations in the area.
Vacations are for relaxing and feeling good, both of which are easier with your best friend at your side.

6.pose with your pooch
You see her do it every day: downward-facing dog! Why not join her? A little relaxing will be good for the both of you. Search for doga (dog yoga) classes in your area so your dog can reach the zen state of mind with you.
Concentrate, meditate. Both of you. It’s quality quiet time together

7.drive down a country road with the windows wide open
Expressways don’t count, because it’s not just about speed. It’s about the country sights, sounds, and smells: row upon row of corn, acres of wheat, or cattle roaming in the distance.
As you pick up speed and your dog closes his eyes, it’s not because the wind is too much for him. On the contrary, he’s just dreaming, “I could run this fast…free and fast…under my own power. I could run down that deer or antelope…I just know I could.”

8.take a family portrait every year
Gather the family together for a special snapshot, dog included. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant production, just a simple reminder of good times. If you’re feeling fancy, though, dress everyone up in finery— including your furry friend. Take the same photo at the same time each year, to show how you’ve all grown together.

9.share a quiet spot
Find a calm, secluded spot where you can go to laugh, talk softly to one another, and get away from the cacophony of everyday life. A spot you both can call “our place.”
Go there often. When all else has passed, this secret place will remain in your heart.
10.bistro, table for two
Research your area for restaurants that have outdoor seating and allow dogs. Pull up a seat, relax, and watch your dog enjoy a night out beside you. If you can’t find a dog-friendly restaurant, opt for take­out and dine at a nearby park. If you’re really adventurous, take your pooch to Paris. The dog-loving City of Light welcomes canines with open arms, outdoors and in.

11.push him to his limits
Your parents always demanded that you live up to your potential. Too often, we don’t give our dogs the opportunity to do the same.
Learn about your dog’s breed (or, more likely, various breeds); discover what he needs for a more fulfilling life. It won’t be the same for a pit bull and a pug, a beagle and a boxer. Each breed will have different needs.
This may require sledding with your husky or playing chess with your border collie. Whether your dog requires more swimming or running, fetching or napping, make it a priority to give him his heart’s desire.

12.personalize your plates
When you’re out and about, your car can announce to the world that you’re lucky enough to have a dog as your best friend.
If your dog’s name is already taken, come up with a creative alter­native, like “iluvmax,” “mymaggie,” “mollynme,” or—one of my favorites—“rescudog.”