Redd was a stray who showed up in my yard one day, painfully thin and very skittish. I never found out where he came from, and it didn't matter. He ate, spent the night on my back porch, and never left. I guess he knew he would be loved and cared for. It took awhile for him to get comfortable with being touched, but he came around and soon loved having his belly and ears scratched. We went to the vet, and Redd was very good during the exam and he took shots like a champ. He didn't care for having his teeth checked, and had to have a muzzle put on. He found a buddy down the road, a big weimeraner/lab mix. I called him Blue and he didn't go back either. They shared adventures chasing squirrels, swimming in the creek, and other things boys like doing. Redd started sleeping in my bed at night, by the time I got there he'd be asleep on my pillow. I had to pick him up and move him over, he wouldn't budge. He was very protective, nothing got close to me unless he approved. He didn't like loud noises, and he was very scared of storms. His hiding place was under my bed. He also loved his Papaw (my dad), he tolerated Pop's cat Mr Sam, who took delight in aggravating Redd. Redd was a delight, sweet, loving and good natured. I believe that God brought Redd to me, I needed him as much as he needed me. We had wonderful times together. Redd's favorite napping spot was beside the azalea bush in my backyard, stretched out in the sun. I have loved every pet I've ever had, but Redd and I shared a bond. Perhaps it was because we both had been through much. One thing he didn't like was cars, and when he would cross the street he stopped and looked both ways. One morning 2 weeks ago he went outside and didn't come back as usual. I began to worry, then I saw him in his spot. But something didn't look right, so I went out to check on him. I thought he had been in a fight, he was obviously in pain and scratched up. I had to pick him up and carry him up the steps. I don't know how I managed, I'm not supposed to lift over 20 pounds. But we made it. As the night went on his pain got worse and he started to swell badly in his hind legs. Next morning we went to our vet, and the news was not good. He had been hit by a car, and his pelvis was shattered. There wasn't much to be done, so I made the terribly painful decision to let him go. I stayed beside him, telling him how much I loved him and not to be scared ,his Papaw and Mr Sam would be waiting on him. He licked my face twice and went peacefully to sleep. I miss him more than I have words for. He was my friend, companion and protector. I will have other dogs, but there will never be another Redd Wilson. Rest well sweet boy. You'll always be my good boy.