More: When Eddy was a puppy, he refused the water. Feared it. He wouldn't even cross an inch of water to get to me. Instead, he barked at me as I fished. But as is love for me, and his boat experiences grew, that eventually changed. And abruptly. On a summer float with my dad, we had stepped out of the boat to wade in and fish. Eddy made his need to be near me blatant. I heard a large splash behind me, just to see him swimming my way. The water was deep enough to force him to use the current to keep himself pressed against the back of my legs while I fished. His dedication to be at my side, was awe inspiring. And to this day, the bond he has with me, my dad, as well as close friends and family, fascinates and inspires me.