Atom Smasher has lost his dog

"I know every dog is the best dog ever, but Sam was the best dog ever."

We love them because they love us unconditionally.  In their eyes we see ourselves reflected, not as we are but as we would wish to be.

Near this Spot are deposited the Remains of one
who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferosity,
and all the virtues of Man
without his Vices.

- Lord Byron's epitaph to his beloved Newfoundland, Boatswain