Some writers have personal assistants. I have Baxter. So what if he can�t type, do Internet research, or answer the phone? He always agrees when I suggest it�s time to take a break from writing, ready to join me in a walk, a nap, or an afternoon break to throw around one of the squeaky tennis balls he keeps stockpiled in the backyard. And when I�m insistent on getting in a little computer work, he just gives a sigh, flops down under my desk, and takes a snooze on my shoes. I couldn�t finish a book without him.