They say dogs are a man’s best friend but to me, my dog is more than that--he is family. Coming up to my ankle, thick fuzzy fur and long floppy ears that’s the definition of my best friend a 9-year-old Cocker Spaniel named Buddy Ruff.

You commonly hear, “It’s the price that’s paid for something that determines its value.” However, I paid nothing for my dog and he’s one of the many great things to come into my life. You see, you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars for a dog for it to be the one to change your life.

The first day I saw you, you were on craigslist, and an elderly couple was giving you away for free. I knew you were just the dog I wanted. You weren’t too big and not too small but the perfect size, little did I know you had a very rough past. According to the people who found you, you were dying and needed attention immediately so they rushed you to a veterinarian and they saved your life.

It’s since that day I’ve had my best friend who hates bath time but loves sour cream and onion chips, I may not know your birthday but I'll gladly share mine with you, my shoulder to cry on and someone to listen to me. Yes, you may not be able to speak back but I know you hear me out and you care simply because you stay near me when things are wrong or not going as they should, you don’t leave my side whatever the case may be.

I still remember the first time I petted you and looked into those brown eyes not only was your fur so soft but also you had a rib sticking out on your right side that still sticks out to this day and you act as if it doesn’t bother you which is a good thing. Upon discovering this messed up rib all I could think was how did this happen to such a sweet dog like you?

Furthermore, I come to realize I found you when I was trying to figure out who I was and you were too. You were starting a new life, new family, a new chance. I was a freshman in high school deciding what to do with my life but little did I know I’d have a few rough patches but not once did you fail me.

I can’t count the nights I cried myself to sleep only to soak your fur with my tears even though you didn’t seem to mind, the time I started talking to you about mom being in the hospital with blood clots not sure if she was going to be okay (I thank God every day she did made it), my break up, and when Nanny passed away and I reminisced memories with you because I know you listen to everything I had to say and you wouldn’t start crying like me and everyone else.

Here I am now a freshman in college and you all gray on your muzzle but you haven’t slowed down and you still have the young spirit alive inside of you. I must apologize for being gone for so long since when we moved my sophomore year of high school and you couldn't come along. I know I didn't have to worry because you have been with Papa so was assured you’ve been taken care of. Even though I was gone from you for so long our bond never faded and never went away which is something I will forever cherish

So, next time you look at your dog whether you paid that price tag or you got yours off craigslist think to yourself does the price you paid truly reflect your best friend or is it just a tag. In my case my free, energetic, fuzzy, loving best friend has my heart and always will no matter how he was found or the fact he was free will never define who he is.