My family has always been “dog people.”
When I was born, we had Dakota. A beautiful black lab, Pitbull mix, Dakota was loyal, compassionate, and a true best friend. I will never forget the love that I had for that dog growing up. We got Shadow a few years later, an emotional, nervous, but extremely loving dog. She loved us more than anything.
When Dakota died, it broke our hearts and it broke Shadow’s heart. She had to learn how to be a single dog. She would run alongside my dad when he went mountain biking and she would always stay close to our sides during lightning storms.
She ended up being one of the biggest blessings in our lives. When she died, years went by and I figured that we would never get another dog again.
I had grown up with the two greatest dogs in the world and in a way, I think my family figured no dog could ever live up to the ones we had already had. My baby brother was allergic to animals and a dog just didn’t fit into our lifestyles anymore.
Last week, I got one of the happiest calls in awhile, we are getting another dog! We found a hypoallergenic, Labradoodle. After years of thought, we are finally getting another dog.
To my dearest Ziggy: I know that I live far away, but there are a few things that I would like to promise you before you become an official part of the Goldstein family.
1. I promise to be your lifelong companion.
You will always be there when I come home and I promise you that when I come home, we will always hang out and spend time with each other.
2. I promise to be patient with you.
The puppy stages may be hard, but I promise to be patient with you through all the crazy times.
3. I promise to take you everywhere I can.
To the mountains, on runs, on hikes, to the park; you name it and I will take you.
4. I promise to spoil you.
I will bring you treats, surprises, and I will always shower you with love.
5. I promise to be with you when you are scared.
If it's lightning or just a loud noise, I promise to always be by your side.
6. I promise to be your person.
You will be the one that I always go to and I hope that I can be the same for you.
7. I promise to be with you through every stage of life.
You may not have been here for my whole life, but I promise to be there for yours.
8. I promise to help you find your special place.
Maybe it will be somewhere deep in the mountains or maybe it’s a special park, I will help you find it.
9. I promise to always let you sleep with me at night.
If you feel scared, alone, or just in the mood to cuddle, I will be there for you.
10. I promise to love you unconditionally.
I will give you all my love all the time no matter what. Welcome to the family!
