Watson was my baby all the time even though he lived to be 17 years old. I got him as a pup at about eight weeks old. Watson was the runt of the litter.
He was part Sheepdog and part Lab. He liked to be known as a Sheepador. He also knew that he was adorable. Together we both played on that. We woud walk, solve the world's problems, chase girls and cracked each other up which always made passerbys smile.
When Watson was 15 years old he became affected with a crippling spinal mylapothy which developed into arthritis and hip dysplasia. His disease prevented Watson the use of his hind legs causing him to become depressed in the later months of his life.
I was heartbroken watching my wonderful companion slip away. He really had difficulty walking. I would carry him. People would come up to me and tell me what great owner I was. My reply, "no not really I just have a phenomenal dog".
His pictures adorn my whole house and my office. Watson was extra special... we had the same heartbeat. He knew how much I loved him; and I know how much he did love me.
I could not wait to take him down to the beach or to the schoolyard and run him in his younger days. He was such a wiseguy.
The legacy of Watson is the creation of the Bottoms-Up Leash that now helps thousands of other injured, elderly or disabled dogs. He lives on through so many animals.
I like to think my wonderful Watson is sitting up in heaven thinking that he is a big shot because he has an Internet business here on earth. (I am smiling as I say that, as he was and is like a real business partner to me).
Every day I think of him. I have been told that he likely winks every time I sell another leash. 