My Best Friend
An elderly man and his old dog are all the other needs.

Some of the best stories are about canine soulmates: Where the Red Fern Grows, Old Yeller, Plague Dogs. Benji. Lassie. Even Science Fiction gives it a go: A Boy and His Dog has its moments, too. No matter the genre, the fuzzy core remains constant: dogs are one of the best things to happen to the human species, they’re faithful, honest and innocent companions whose very existence enriches and brings meaning to our lives.

But no good thing lasts forever. Dog lifespans are tragically so much shorter than ours, so there inevitably, always comes the need to say goodbye.

At 72 years, Robert’s been around the block many times. The very epitome of grizzled, he sits with a faded “Vietnam Veteran” cap on his head. In his lap: a little poodle we’ll soon know as Maggie.  Her cataracts, grey fur and wheezing sound are ominous clues as to what comes next. 

Robert and Maggie aren’t here for a general checkup. But when vet tech Cindy sticks her head out and beckons, Robert rises and follows dutifully – his companion cradled in protective arms. 

CINDY 
Hi, Robert. 
(re: Maggie)
How is she? 

Robert gently pets Maggie's head. 

ROBERT 
She's ready. 

Ready for what? Dog (and cat) owners – we know the answer all too-well.

Moments later, Maggie’s on the exam table, IV inserted. Doctor Bishop enters with syringes in hand. A seasoned veteran in his own realm, the vet pats Maggie’s head. Preparing the medicine, he uses gentle banter to try and ease Robert’s (mental) pain, too. 

DOCTOR BISHOP 
This first medication is to help Maggie relax. 
It'll make her a little drowsy as well.

He puts the needle in the IV port and injects.

DOCTOR BISHOP
So why "Maggie"?

ROBERT
I'm sorry?

DOCTOR BISHOP
Ten years of caring for her 
but I never asked how you settled 
on the name Maggie.

Turns out, Maggie was named after a girl Robert once hung out with – one who wasn’t a romantic interest, but rather a needed companion in his darker days.

The procedure furthers along. A world weary Robert slowly opens up – telling Doctor Bishop about how he was alone after the war… until a certain little furball showed up one day on his porch.

CINDY
I remember that. You brought her in
the next day. No collar. No chip. 
No missing posters. 
As if she just appeared out of thin air.
(beat)
She chose you.

Robert's lip quivers. His facade slipping even more.

ROBERT 
That she did.

Sometimes, it’s time to just let go. We owe our furry companions so, so much – including protection from suffering, once there’s nothing left to be done.

But after a (dog’s) lifetime of loving and sharing, how can one truly say goodbye?

A major tear jerker for anyone who’s ever loved and lost a canine soulmate, Chris Stewart’s My Best Friend is easily shot… if one can find a cuddly, laid back fur-actor for Maggie, that is. As a slice of life (and its eventual ending) drama, Friend is extremely painful at moments. It’s also genuinely sweet.