It is a story, not one of science, and one that may not be remembered past this one lifetime. It is the story of someone that did not know his destiny, but followed it with unfaltering step, bound to his human companion, not by vows or paper, but in the name of the trust that was the best part of his nature. It is a story of the one that taught her to love, even as he occasionally barfed on the carpet. It is the tale of a black Lab named Barkley. It begins in the 1960's as the author is growing up---dogs becoming part of the family. But it is only after many years of living alone, following heartbreak; that Barkley finds his way to Ms. Johnson, and she begins to view the world as he does---and learns to love again.