Bubba was born on our wedding anniverary in 1991, two months before the birth of our first son. The biggest of his litter of a female we had given to our in-laws, Bubba was all yellow lab, all 120 lbs. Bubba was the protector of the neighorhood as we once lived in a giant oval with Bubba living in the middle. He saw all and sniffed all. Other than the UPS man and the Ice Cream man, no other strangers came into our circle unannounced. Of course, the UPS man and Ice Cream person always fed Bubba. Bubba used to lie in the street sleeping and wondering why cars would stop and beep their horns, with Bubba ever so slightly raising his head as if to say, "Can't a guy get some sleep around here". Bubba watched after the daycare kids while in the yard, and until his last years preferred his yard and doghouse over the comforts of the indoors. As a younger dog, Bubba tested my patience time and time again. Between jumping out of his pen, and then his fenced back yard, Bubba would chase all the chicks. Finally, after getting fixed, Bubba calmed down, and our journey truly began. Bubba taught me the meaning of Patience when I didn't have any; Bubba taught me Understanding when I didn't understand; Bubba taught me Fogiveness when I didn't give any, and Bubba taught me the meaning of Unconditional Love when I was at some of the lowest points in my life. Bubba was always there, no matter the circumstances no matter the situation. Bubba has made me a better person, better father, and better husband for teaching me about Understanding, Patience, Forgiveness, and Uncondtional Love. As he walked our youngest to the bus stop one last time, I truly understood why I was blessed with the time we had with Bubba. Bubba was my buddy when I needed one, a friend when I needed one, a playmate and protector to my children where he was needed. Finally, after many months of attempting to fix his pain, Bubba headed to Rainbow Bridge on Febuary 13, 2004. Although, this is a short story, words alone could never describe my/our feelings for a truly great friend. We will all miss Bubba.