This is the story about a special dog, who fulfilled many roles in a number of person's lives. The dog's name was Erik. Erik grew up in a small college town, moved to a big city when he was one and a half years old, and had to become acclimated to different environments. He was never nervous in new environments. He lived in a number of places, traveled on 5 undercover drug operations, traveled to the beach with a 4 year old as a protector, and was a friend to all. He was a vicious fighter when he was threatened or those around him were in danger of another dog. He had a sense of humor which would make you laugh, even playfully growling when I put my hand into his food bowl while he was eating, but never would bite. Erik was alongside my son Joe during many occasions; if Joe went outdoors, Erik was with him. The readers will relate to many of the stories, and the readers will feel a kinship the emotion of having a dog as a part of the family.