Days before Christmas I would wake up early in the morning and look under the Christmas tree to see what gifts had magically appeared over night. And for years this would pay off because I knew my mom's little secret: on the bottom of each present, she would write in light pencil, who it was for and what it was. But this year was different because amongst all of the other presents, there was a big red box. I lifted it, and it felt empty; I then examined it for my mom's writing and found nothing.

What was inside? And who was if for? When my parents woke up, I of course pestered them for information about the box. And with a big smile on their face, I was told that I would find out Christmas day. But this was not good enough. I had to find out now. This box was huge, and surely it was too big to fit any of the presents I had asked for.

The next morning I followed my routine religiously. I checked under the tree for new presents, and read the bottom to see what was inside. And sure enough, right in the middle of all of the other gifts, was still the big red box. But this time, when I lifted it, I could hear a small thud. Something was now inside, and this just added to my excitement and imagination.

I went to sleep that Christmas' eve night with butterflies in my stomach and full of excitement. Tomorrow morning I was going to find out what was inside that big red box.

The sun still hadn't risen when I woke up. I jumped out of bed and ran down stairs, anxious to open up my presents. But to my surprise, both of my parents were waiting for me. This was a shock because I was usually the first one up. And seeing them standing there just added to the excitement because at their feet was the big red box.

As I peered inside, I could see at the very bottom, a little Rottweiler puppy. At first we both stared at each other, waiting to see who would make the first move. But then he started to bark, as if to introduce himself.

I played outside that cold Christmas' morning and formed a bond that would last a lifetime. He would grow up with me, and in many ways become my best friend. His name was Rocky, and he was to make this Christmas morning in 1985, the best Christmas I ever had.