My most valuable possession is not really a possession; he's a part of the family. It's my dog, MacGyver. He is an eleven-year-old, black Scottish Terrier with graying fur. Barrel-chested with a long snout, short, pricked ears, and a tousled beard, he's absolutely adorable. My family and I are constantly coming up with new nicknames for him, though he has several already. Gyver can talk, too. I'm not sure how to describe it, though, as it's obviously not English. His language is more of a contented howl. Whatever it is, it just makes him all the better.

MacGyver is valuable to me for many reasons. I doubt that I could put my finger on just one. Mostly, though, I suppose that it's because he's very affectionate. Most Scotties aren't very loving, but there are always exceptions. In fact, my dog loves it when I carry him around like a small baby. He has become so accustomed to sitting in front of the television with me, he'll bark at anyone who won't share their chair with him. This, of course, has startled many unsuspecting guests who were merely trying to find a seat.

During the day, while I'm at school, MacGyver stays in my room. Typically, he can be found sitting on my bed, poised and alert, watching the neighbors. It's no wonder that Scotties are renowned for being guard dogs. If so much as a leaf blows by the house, my dog will bark until I come over, make a show of looking out the window, and assure him that everything is just fine. On the rare occasion that he is not planted in front of the windows, he's in someone's lap, being cuddled and told how he is obviously the best dog ever. Our vet says that MacGyver is the first dog he has ever seen that was completely content with life and not even slightly neurotic. He may call it content, but I call it lovingly spoiled.

It is hard to say what I would do if I lost my dog. Having a dog that will let you squeeze him breathless, hold the biscuit that one extra inch above his nose, or dress him up on Halloween is rare, and I'm afraid that I've become too used to it. Thus, finding a dog to fill MacGyver's place would be impossible. That does not mean, however, that I would not get another dog. Most likely, hard as it would be, I would have to force myself to move on and accept another dog and the new personality that comes with it. For the present though, I will enjoy the time that I am still able to spend with him, and not dwell on the future.

MacGyver means a lot to me. It is nice to come home every afternoon and see that happy little face, and the tail wagging so hard, it's threatening to fall off. There is a special bond between a person and their dog. Dogs are very open, honest, and loyal. You know that you can always trust them. That is why they are man's best friend.