by Bob Powers, Jul 21, 1998

You've heard that expression, "You look like you just lost your best friend." Well, we have. We have lost Muffin, with whom we shared our lives over the past five years.

Muffin strolled into the Powers household after winding up in the Humane Society at Parkersburg. His mixed family tree included a bit of poodle and several bits of other breeds. Fifteen pounds and two years old when Betty rescued him, he arrived at our Fifth Street home as a surprise "gift."

Despite my initial lack of enthusiasm over Muffin's joining the family, Muffin and I swiftly became best buddies. He became my shadow, my companion who offered unconditional love. His unfailing good humor remained steady, even when we decided he needed a playmate and added another dog, a wirehair terrier mix named Molly.

Muffin and Molly soon became pals and made their roughhousing romps around the house a nightly show.

On Friday, July 10, all changed at the yellow house on Fifth Street after friends came over. After a few minutes of conversation, someone said, "Where's Muffin?" A shocked silence permeated the warm evening air. I glanced around. Muffin indeed had vanished.

Muffin understood he wasn't allowed to leave the porch. A few days earlier, Betty straightened the porch while an unleashed Muffin sat watching. She went inside for a moment while he remained primly on the porch, watching the traffic pass.

Since his disappearance, we've put ads in the newspapers, on radio, and posted handbills with his color photo at supermarkets, Laundromats, restaurants and even the light standard at Second and Front streets. No response. Muffin had disappeared as if he never existed. Now Molly lies in her chair, sleeping much of her day, probably dreaming about Muffin and wondering what happened to her best friend.

All dog owners realize that tragedy eventually will occur. Dogs have a relatively short lifespan. Accidents happen. But Muffin, now six, seemed an unlikely candidate to wander off. We hold on to the hope he's out there, living the high life with a new "owner," who somehow hasn't realized that this darling little fellow, healthy and intelligent, has owners who miss him dearly.

If Muffin's at your house, there are things you need to know. He's approaching seven, and although he looks and acts like a pup, he's definitely nearing his golden years. He needs his monthly heartworm medicine. Because he's allergic to flea dip, we've used the medication for fleas that is applied to the back of his neck. He's particular about his regular diet, preferring Purina Dog Chow in the Little Bites variety. But he loves pizza, spaghetti, and nearly anything from the table.

If you see a little dog who answers to Muffin, you could do a wonderful favor by giving his "mom and dad" a call. The number is 374-8752.

Muffin, we love you and we miss you. Come home, fella.