Is it not remarkable how a dog can have a positive impact, in some cases a profound impact on the lives of people. Canines perform remarkable services. They are employed in law enforcement, search and rescue missions, agriculture, hunting, servicing the handicapped, entertaining the public, just to name a few. Probably the most important service, however, is the ability of the dog to be a great pet and companion. In almost all instances the master becomes deeply attached to the animal at many levels and discovers the relationship to be incredibly fulfilling. Sometimes it takes years before one fully realizes how important a dog was in one’s life; especially during the growing up years. The mere presence of a pet often brought comfort in the times of loneliness, discouragement, confusion, or distress. The animal was a friend with whom one could share one’s deepest thoughts and childhood adventures. This writing is a collection of vignettes about one such mutt; Rex, the dog of my youth.