Willie said that his wife insisted that at some point in the book he include a description of what Skip meant to him. He said she banished him to the basement until he completed his task.

Willie sat in the basement and came up with two words to describe what this little dog meant to and taught an only child - Love and Loyalty. He includes this in the book about two thirds of the way through.

Willie ended his brief talk by reading the last paragraph of the book, in which he says that Skip is not really buried under the elm tree in his yard, he is buried in his heart.

After Willie concluded and was ready to sign some books he noticed a little 8 or 9 year old girl had her hand up. He said 'did you have a question honey? He moved closer so he could hear her, and asked her name. Little Amanda spoke up real loud and said 'I am an only child and I have a dog who is St. Bernard and Shepard and he is my best friend. I wanted to ask you if Skip was your best friend?

Willie said 'Yes he was honey'. 'Can I do something for you? I would like to buy you one of my books about Skip and give it to you, and I would like you to sign it.' He turned to the Tattered Cover representative and asked if he could do that. The representative said of course he could.

I pulled my cap down and browsed around in a empty corner, away from the book signing.

As I stared at Russian History books, I thought of my dog who I had between my 16th and 28th years, who enriched my life with his simple loyalty and love, as Willie described. Who was always by my side during the changes that those years brought.

I walked through the bookcases and towards the stairs down to the second floor. Willie had already given Amanda her book and was talking with some other bookstore Patrons. Amanda was facing the stairs, standing next to the railing. As I descended the stairs I could see Amanda wiping tears of happiness from her eyes.