definition of...

best friend
noun
     1.  a person's closest friend
     2.  a French Bulldog named Pipi.
          ... description of Pipi:  Pipi came to me after I met my first French Bulldog, Jules, at our Paris hotel.  For 3 years I worked on convincing my husband that we needed a Frenchie in our lives, and when he finally caved, the search began.  I combed the internet for any mention of a French Bulldog in the Twin Cities area until I received a message from a breeder in Minneapolis who said, "I have a little girl that nobody wants.  She's small, has a hernia, and cannot be shown nor bred".  That was all I needed to hear.  Holly delivered Pipi to my home and she lived with us for 15+ years -- practically unheard of in the life-span of a French Bulldog.
     I immediately knew Pipi would be special when I placed a cup of coffee with cream on the brick edging of my vegetable garden.  When I turned to grab the cup, Pipi was there lapping it up.  She was a total gourmand,  It began with bananas and quickly escalated to my garden tomatoes.  Pipi would disappear inside of my cherry tomatoes and when she reappeared her face was covered with tomato seeds.  She was the reason we covered our plants with netting and finally planted all of the tomatoes in raised beds.  Purple Cherokees were her favorite (as they are mine), and only days ago I saw her gazing up at one -- she still had an appetite.  Salmon served with asparagus or haricots verts would be devoured by Pipi, but only if the vegetables were seared in olive oil -- always a requirement.
     Pipi did everything with me.  Went everywhere with me.  And yes, slept with me.  If I didn't have my arm around her during the night, or if I turned my back on her while we slept, she'd sit up and slap me with her paw.  I would immediately hold her tight.  She had all of us well trained. 
     Throughout Pipi's life, I would constantly ask for kisses, and whenever I did, she turned her head away from me.  Pipi did not give kisses.  Monday morning, Pipi woke me at 4 a.m., licking my face.  She had never done that.   I truly believe that she was telling me, I love you and it's time for me to go.  It was time.  I miss you, Pips!  Thank you for 15 amazingly wonderful years.

     I want to thank everyone who has left comments, emailed me and messaged me about Pipi, and want you to know how much I appreciated your comforting words.  Pips was loved not only by me, but by everyone who knew her.  She was truly one of a kind.