So many of us have been graced with the presence of a non-human best friend, and for a lot of us, that friend has been a dog. We watch them grow from goofy puppies whose paws are too big for their bodies, to old grey dogs with sore joints. They seem to pack a whole lot of love and affection into their too-short life spans. They inspire us, entertain us, and love us every day, and for that, we are oh so #blessed. This is a letter to my late fur baby who made my life a little sweeter.
To Man’s Best Friend,
You came into my world as a bouncing (literally) bundle of fur and energy; exactly the predisposition a four year old needs to keep her busy. For a long time you had a play-biting problem, but that was okay because so did I. Eventually we both learned to follow rules and abide by certain social guidelines together. We grew as puppy and child until we knew wrong from right and yes from no.
Maybe we drifted apart in my elementary years, when I was busy with school, sports, and clubs but you were always happy to see me when I came home. You entertained me for countless hours by making weird sounds and generally acting like the goofball you were when we brought you home that first day. There’s nothing quite like a loyal best friend to keep life stable during a time when it’s anything but.
You stuck by my side during every traumatic life experience I had to go through, you patiently waited for the tears to cease, or for anger to settle. You offered a furry shoulder to cry on and never ever objected to a cuddle session. Sad times were so much easier with you around.
You also happily accompanied me through every positive moment of my life; we played together, ran around together, and you even proved to be a marvelous companion to get coffee with when I couldn’t get anyone else to go. Maybe that was because the baristas gave you treats. Regardless, we both grew older. You turned grey, and I turned 18.
Leaving for college was exciting and scary. I left my family and friends and my hometown behind, but the hardest part was leaving you. You were old now, and I wasn’t sure how long you would be around. The last thing I wanted was for you to leave me while I was at school. I came home for holidays and even some weekends and I was pleased to find you excitedly awaiting my arrival every single time.
Summertime came and I moved back home. I was relieved to be back with everything that felt normal and consistent, especially with you. Dogs can’t live forever though, and half way through, you had to go. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to deal with, but I would do it all over again if it meant I had the privilege of spending a small part of my life with you.
So thank you. Thank you for being loyal, thank you for trusting me, and thank you for teaching me about life. Thank you for being there for me, and thank you for keeping me sane. Thank you for teaching me how to take life less seriously, and thank you for being my best friend.
Until we meet again my furry friend. I love you.
