Thirty years ago, my marriage of ten years ended in divorce. I hit my own personal emotional lowpoint. I had served six years in the US Navy, including almost four in Vietnam, and yet it was my divorce that really shattered me.

I had a three month old Akita X named “Doubious Doggus Maximus” or “Doob” for short, the confusion was intentional.

My soon to be ex wife had taken our Setter “Patches” with her . She had taken everything.

Anyhow, I was sitting alone in our almost empty house.

I was considering something that I had never considered before in my life, something that I have NEVER considered since.

I am ashamed to say that I was seriously considering suicide.

I was thinking that I had nothing to live for, I remember thinking, “why shouldn’t I? What do I have to live for?”

As God is my witness, at that exact instant “Doob” walked up to me and started licking my face.

All I could think of after that, was who the hell would take care of that puppy? Who the hell would love “Doob”? Because as we all know, the world can be a very cruel place.

“Doob” turned out to be one of the greatest dogs that ever lived. He came with me to Alaska to start a new life, and when his time came, he died in my arms after the vet gave him his merciful shot of death. I cried like a baby.

“Doob” saved my life that day. I owe my life to him, and more than once after that, (bandits and bears oh my). But that was the first time.

Anybody who says there are no dogs in heaven isn’t talking about the same place, or God, that I am.

Rest in peace “Doubious Doggus Maximus” my old friend, wait for me on the other side of that river all men must cross. We will meet again.

I am blessed to know that there will be several dogs, and my beloved family and friends waiting for me there also.

I don’t trust people who don’t love dogs. They seem empty to me.

Steve from AK