I remember the Saturday in March 2002 when I rode the Boat to Woods Hole to meet Baxter for the first time. Susan Isenstein was waiting for me with Baxter at her side. I had fallen in love with him from his picture on the website and it seemed the feeling was mutual when we met in person. He went willinging with me to board the boat back to Martha's Vineyard. The gentleman taking the tickets called Baxter by name ( I guess they met on the dock). He climbed the stairs like a trooper and sat with me without making a peep the whole ride.

Baxter entered my home as if he had been there forever. Gus and Gerty the resident Beagles were very accepting of Baxter and Oscar the mini Dachsund loved him and shared all his toys with him. Baxter even accepted Annie the new foster Beagle who arrived in November 2002 (who we later adopted in his memory). Baxter was very gracious to every dog he met. My sister and mother couldn't wait to meet him and they fell in love with him instantly as well. I do believe Baxter melted the heart of every woman ( and a few men) that met him.

He was a very elderly Beagle Boy and had several ailments. That never stopped Baxter from living and loving life to the fullest. He was an inspiration to us all. He accepted his new life with a trusting and loving heart. We tried to make the most of each day as we new it could be the last for Baxter. We made 2 trips off the Island to BREW Beagle events and everywhere he went he had a fan club. He stopped to greet each new person he met to see if they would like to stop and pet him for awhile. Most times they did....who could resist that face!

His favorite place on the Vineyard was State beach. He seemed to get rejuvinated each time we visted there.

Baxter's kind soul and loving spirit gave true meaning to what unconditioanl love is all about. I will be eternally greatful to Baxter because that kind of love comes around once in a lifetime. I feel truly blessed to have shared my heart and home with Baxter, he packed a lifetime of living and loving in the nine months he was with us. We miss Baxter dearly but will cherish his memory forever.

Pam, Gus, Gerty, Oscar and Annie