“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” That quote from Roger Caras rings true for anyone who’s ever shared their home — and heart — with a dog. They’re the quiet companions who stay by our side through everything, the soft shoulders we cry on, and the over-the-top greeters who make every homecoming feel like the best moment of the day. Their love is simple and pure in a world that’s often anything but. And it’s that deep, unspoken bond that Nashville recording artist Woody Bradshaw brings to life in his new single, “Bestest Ever Friend.” The song isn’t just about a dog — it sings straight from a dog’s heart.
For anyone who’s followed Woody’s career, his knack for tapping into deep emotion comes as no surprise. A Pensacola, Florida native, he actually got his start not on a stage with a guitar, but as an actor in New York City, stealing hearts as the “bad boy” on an ABC daytime drama. His talent quickly caught the eye of Jerry Silverhardt — the legendary manager who discovered Tom Cruise — who urged him to head west to Los Angeles. Film and TV roles were on the horizon, but everything changed when Woody rediscovered the music of his childhood hero, songwriter Jimmy Webb. That spark made him realize where his heart truly was: in music. It wasn’t long before he packed up for Nashville to sharpen his skills as a singer and songwriter — a journey that would eventually lead to his breakout hit, “The Last Thing You Do.”
The story behind “Bestest Ever Friend,” however, is not one of showbiz glitz, but of a chance meeting that would forever change his life. In 2013, reeling from a difficult breakup, Woody visited a friend’s home. He was greeted by the boisterous barks of two large labradors. One of them, a chocolate lab named Bailey, was just a foster. From the start, Bailey seemed drawn to Woody, persistently seeking his attention. The dog’s mischievous spirit came alive in a scene worthy of a classic sitcom when he snatched a lighter from the coffee table and bolted outside. After a comical chase, Bailey returned, lighter in mouth, only to be stopped in his tracks by Woody’s firm but gentle command. In a moment of surprising submission, Bailey dropped the lighter into Woody’s hand, then leaped onto the couch and wrapped all 80 pounds of himself around Woody’s neck in a gesture of pure, unadulterated affection. His friend stood in amazement; Bailey had never listened to anyone like that before. That night, Woody agreed to take him home, just to see how it went. The rest, as they say, is history.
Bailey became Woody’s constant companion in Nashville. The man who was never a “dog person”—due to childhood allergies and a lack of exposure—was now utterly devoted. Bailey was more than a pet; he was a partner. Their bond was so strong that they walked their neighborhood with Bailey happily trotting alongside, no leash required. He was a gentle giant, beloved by children at the park and a friend to every dog he met. This special relationship took on an even deeper meaning when Woody’s father was diagnosed with dementia. During visits to the memory care facility, Baileybecame a source of comfort and joy not only for Woody’s dad but for all the residents. Un-leashed and endlessly gentle, Bailey would calmly make his rounds, offering a soft head to pat and a quiet presence that brought smiles to everyone he met. It became, as Woody describes it, a “lil ministry of sorts.”
Through Bailey, Woody learned firsthand about the humbling power of a dog’s unconditional love. “People are conditional, fickle, sinful even,” Woody reflects, “but a dog’s love is pure…pure perfection in this world!” This profound realization was seared into his heart when, just two months after his father’s passing, he lost his sweet Bailey boy. The double blow was devastating, but it also solidified a creative idea that had been stirring for years. Inspired by heartwarming films like A Dog’s Purpose and The Art of Racing in the Rain, where the story is narrated by the canine protagonist, Woody decided to write a song from the dog’s point of view. He wanted to capture the boundless, adoring perspective of our four-legged family members.
“Bestest Ever Friend” is what happens when pure inspiration turns into music. It’s a short and sweet track — just under three minutes — that celebrates the kind of love only a dog can give. Told from the point of view of a loyal pup whose whole world revolves around their person, the song taps into moments every dog owner knows: the wild tail-wagging hellos, the little adventures you share, and that steady, unconditional love that never wavers. The song also lands on its most powerful truth — that to our dogs, we’re everything. Woody wrote it about his own dog, Bailey, but it feels like it could’ve been written for anyone who’s ever loved a pet.
The melody sticks with you, and the message hits home. Woody can imagine the song showing up in all kinds of places — maybe in a Disney or Pixar movie, or even in a pet food ad or a campaign for the ASPCA. But more than anything, he hopes it simply connects with people and reminds them how special their bond with their pets really is.
Some of the deepest love we’ll ever know comes on four legs, with a wagging tail and eyes that look at us like we’re the best thing that’s ever happened to them. It’s a love that doesn’t ask for much — just your time, your kindness, and a place by your side. And with this song, Woody Bradshaw has managed to give that love a voice.
Visit Woody Bradshaw’s official website for latest news: https://woodybradshaw.com
