If you've ever shopped at Backyard Birds, you've probably met shop cat Miss B. Ripple, goldendoodle Webster, and senior golden retriever greeter Mel.

These extraordinary pets have made the store a fun place. Some people stop in bringing treats and sitting awhile on the benches to visit with the critters. One of those special greeters is now gone. We lost Mel in October. At 15 ½ years of age, he was our "senior employee." Lying on the plaid carpet and welcoming old and new customers was his daily mission. His story may not be a famous as that of Rin Tin Tin, Lassie or Marley, but he has a story that touched many lives.

We received Mel when he was eight weeks old, our seventh dog to raise for Canine Companions for Independence. He had been flown from Santa Rosa, CA to Columbus, OH for us to bring to Indy for a little more than a year. We were responsible for all his expenses and weekly puppy and novice training classes at First Friends K9. Socializing him was also part of our responsibilities. So, off we went together to the grocery, church, shopping, parties, movies, and even to work at Lilly, all to get him used to being in public.

Mel arrived with his name. Because I had an uncle named Mel, the name always felt awkward for me. So I did some research, finding this golden boy's name in Latin means (1) honey, (2) sweetness, pleasantness (3) darling, honey-how appropriately named! All of his litter had names beginning with M, and Mel was the perfect name for this prospective, honey-colored service dog.

We returned Mel for advanced training in May 1999; he lasted only one month. We were so disappointed. Putting more than a year into launching a puppy only to have him eliminated from the program is like seeing a dear friend lose a job. Mel's nemesis was a ferret, which he saw on a training field trip to a pet store. At first he was afraid of the ferret, and then he became so captivated by it that he wouldn't leave it. Trainers decided this would be problematic for him as a service dog. So we were given the option either to adopt him or help someone else adopt him. Luckily we had a dear friend who wanted him. When we told her his official record of dismissal stated he was assertive, stubborn, and insensitive to correction, she said, "I've dated men just like that so I can surely handle a dog with those traits."

Although Mel happily lived with his missy, he spent most days at our house or the store. He even had extended stays during his missy's illnesses, extreme cold or rainy weather, and vacations. He was one lucky dog to have two homes- one where he was the alpha and the other where he had companionship of a pack. We always said he had the best of both worlds.

What I would like to share is what I learned from Mel. A dog doesn't have to be a highly trained canine to serve. Although he didn't wear a cape or harness, he did provide life, companionship, joy, humor, friendship, and love. He served as a welcoming presence and goodwill ambassador throughout his neighborhood. He would dance and bark for food always reminding us to enjoy our sustenance. He loved to lie on his back and wiggle, reminding us to love the earth whether it was crispy grass or cool snow. Although he could only bark, he was the center of many friendly conversations. He taught us to accept treats with gusto, nap to relax, dance in circles to release joy, show the younger puppies how to act, and have exemplary house manners even until the end. His love and devotion extended to everyone he met. All I can say is Rest in Peace. I know you are without pain. . . dancing and running free. You will be in all the hearts you have touched forever.