Yesterday was the anniversary of Fred Roger’s death. I think it safe to say that most people who have children are familiar with him and his “neighborhood.” Somehow he was a weird mix of creepiness and endearment, but my kids loved his show when they were little.

It is so funny walking Buddy around our Chicago neighborhood. Everyone knows Buddy. He makes the rounds of doormen who have a “treat” for him and as we walk by people from our apartment building, so often people will exclaim “Buddy!”

He is so earnest and hopeful, tail wagging, as he catches the eyes of people passing by. He is a little people magnet.

I watch him work his “magic” on people as they stop to scratch his chin, and before you know it, he has another neighborhood friend.

If he could sing, he would sing the theme song to Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood:

“It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?

It’s a neighborly day in this beautywood,
A neighborly day for a beauty,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?

I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you,
I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So let’s make the most of this beautiful day,
Since we’re together, we might as well say,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won’t you be my neighbor?

Won’t you please,
Won’t you please,
Please won’t you be my neighbor?”