In the wee hours of Monday morning, September 12, we said goodbye to a dear old friend and the most loyal of companions. Baxter Ignatius Fox was a brother, a best friend, a teacher, and a life coach. In these first few days since his passing, it’s simply hard to imagine life without him.

Baxter Fox was born on February 22, 2009. A digital native full of wit and wisdom, he took to social media early in life before moving into the upper ranks of management as C.Fox Communications’ Chief Barking Officer. His later years in retirement were full of adventures. His family will fondly remember their last summer road trip to New England where he dined on fine cuisine while visiting the Inn where his parents were married.

Baxter was a regular at the Bethesda office and was always a welcome guest in meetings, even with his penchant for snoring through strategy sessions. He was a whiz at the computer, and made everyone feel welcome. He was so loved that he was recognized with his likeness on our company currency (Foxies!) that aptly stated “In Baxter Fox we Trust.”

And trust we did.

Never one with an ego, he had a brilliant way of leading from behind. It didn’t matter if he was playing the occasional chauffeur or relegated to backseat driver, he was happiest when with his pack, and always focused on tipping the world toward love.

He was the most welcoming of front door greeters, and never missed a chance to get into the weeds of his work. He was an opportunistic foodie at heart, with an uncanny musical ability and never said no to a little duet with the band.

He was a student of science, and a Doctor of Letters. He believed in his purpose and ours, too. He was there for every first day, including the most recent one.

His unwavering love of his family meant that he tolerated even the most ridiculous of Halloween costumes. Over and over and over again.

He put his all into every day, and never missed a chance to pal around with a friend.

Of all the beagles in the world, we were lucky to call him ours.

In loving memory of the one and only, Baxter I. Fox. May the sun always find your face, good boy.

This is week 36 of the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights direct to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week.