For the past 12 years, Madison Best and her family’s lives have been filled with more love and laughter — all thanks to one very special dog named Dixie.
“She’s been with me and by my side through all the good times and the bad,” Best told The Dodo. “She’s always been the best cuddler and the perfect playmate for the kids. Our two oldest daughters have grown up with her.”
Now that Dixie is older, her once-yellow fur has softened into a silvery white in many spots. But there’s one special feature that’s remained just as it was when she was a puppy — a tiny patch of brown fur on her back paw, shaped exactly like a little heart.
“It's the only marking she has,” Best said.
Over the years, Best often thought about how she might honor Dixie and the lifetime of memories they shared. When her daughter recently celebrated a birthday and was ready for her first tattoo, the perfect idea came to them — something that captured the love they all felt for their sweet girl.
“We decided there was no better tattoo to get than Dixie’s heart,” Best said.
The first tattoo turned out beautifully, so much so that Best and her other daughter decided to get matching ones as well — each carrying a piece of Dixie’s heart with them forever.
It was the most meaningful tribute to the dog who has meant so much to their family.
“She’s our best girl,” Best said. “We’re so proud to finally match her little heart.”
By simply being herself, Dixie has left an unforgettable mark on her family’s lives — and now, thanks to these tattoos, that mark is visible on the outside too. For Best, there’s no doubt in her mind.
“Everyone says they have the best damn dog,” she said. “But she really is the best damn dog.”
