Wabash, a gentle golden retriever, came to us through Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), the organization that prepares dogs to help people with disabilities other than blindness. He was our fifth puppy raised for CCI, which counts on volunteers to provide foster homes for pups until they are ready for service training at 16 months of age. California-born Wabash was shipped to the CCI center in Columbus, OH when he was eight weeks old. We drove three hours to pick up this blonde bundle of puppy energy that had arrived with the name "Waabi." CCI typically gives each pup in a litter a name beginning with the same initial letter. We could change his name as long as it began with a "W" so he became Wabash, also the name of the college my son was attending.

Because CCI dogs eventually go everywhere their humans go, Wabash went to work with me. He curled up quietly beside my desk. When I had meetings, fellow workers invited him to their desks. He became a welcoming presence everywhere. I met scores of dog-lovers at work during that year of puppy-raising. Some dropped by often for a quick pet; some even brought doggy treats.

When the time came for Wabash to return to Columbus for advanced training, he had many well-wishers. Each dog is scrutinized endlessly during this training. Although Wabash's obedience was impeccable (he was my best!), a temperament flaw concerned trainers. To our disappointment, Wabash was eliminated from the program. As his puppy-raisers, we had first right of adoption. While we already had another change-of-career Golden, Pip, we could not bear the thought of Wabash living elsewhere. He returned to us and joined Pip as the store dog duo at Backyard Birds, greeting customers and napping happily.

Wabash brightened our days until a tumor on his spleen got the best of him. The loss was sudden -- one day we had him, the next day he was gone. "The Handsome Prince" (as one friend called him) was more than just a dog. He was a loving, attentive companion who opened contacts and friendships with many, many people I would never have known without him. Moreover, he was so exemplary that several people became CCI puppy raisers (including the Gazette publisher's wife, Elizabeth Hague, who is raising her second CCI puppy) or adopted dogs because of him. He filled many quiet moments in the store and on the road with his presence and his tap on the shoulder as if to say, "I'm here for you." I have received an outpouring of sympathy because of him. His time on earth was only 10 years, but the number of lives he touched is immeasurable. It does amaze me the impact a dog can have, whether in service or as a companion. We are richer because of our relationship with these amazing creatures. Wabash is missed.