Bilbo Baggins

Bilbo has been my companion for over nine years. It was on Father’s Davy in 2003 and a particularly hard time for me when Bilbo came into my life. I’d just had two cancer operations and my wife had to be placed in a nursing home. To make matters worse, our dog Rudy had to be put down three weeks earlier. I was struggling to keep my head above water emotionally. At that time my prognosis was poor: the doctor thought the cancer would reoccur in the next two years.

My family had gathered in the living room discussing old times when my son pops up and says that I needed a lovey.  My daughter agreed. My wife and I were hesitant about taking on a new dog, but when my son gave a sad story about the dog, we agreed to keep Bilbo until we could find it a better home. My son and daughter immediately left to bring Bilbo back home. I was lost the minute Bilbo was placed in my arms and he nudged my cheek with his wet nose.

Bilbo was a very needy dog and I was a very needy person at the time, so we were made for each other. We have become almost inseparable through the years. He goes just about everywhere with me. At my place of work, he is in the staff photos and greets people and earns a steady supply of bones every day.

Things have changed since Bilbo came into my life. My wife has passed, the chances of my cancers returning are non-existent, and life goes on.  When I write, Bilbo is usually at my feet. I still haven’t found that good home for Bilbo yet, although I have received many offers through the years.