My dear Pup,

We got you when I was only two years old-- you were two years old too. We got you from the animal shelter because we wanted to give you a better life than what you had before. Each dog barked at us as we walked through the shelter looking from cage to cage. When we walked past your cage, you just watched us. You were shy when we tried to pet you, but we knew you were meant to be in our family.

We took you home and taught you how to have a happier life. We would take you for walks, give you treats, and rub your belly just the way you liked it. You even had your own stocking that we hung up each year for Christmas. You came with us when we moved houses; there was no way we were leaving you behind… you were family. Every time it thundered you cried, and I would lay with you, trying to make you feel better. As I grew, you grew with me. You were getting older, and it was hard for me to not see you as a puppy anymore. In my eyes, you were always my puppy—you still are.

As you got older, your body got weaker, and eventually it started to hurt you… but you were tough. I wish I could say we gave you that “last good day” that other dogs get, but we didn’t know that your last day was actually going to be your last day. When that day came, both of our lives changes. Your pain went away, and I tried to remember that with each tear ran down my face. It was really hard for a while, but it’s gotten better. You weren’t just my dog. I grew up with you by my side every step of the way. We just got a new dog. Not to replace you, of course, but so that way she can get a better life just how you did. We want to show her what it means to be loved.

It’s been two years since we’ve had to let you go, but I still think about you. I hope where you are now you have all the treats and belly rubs in the world… free of pain. I hope the life we gave you was as good as the life you gave us. You were the best dog that any family could ever ask for, and you’ll always be my girl.

Love Always,

Your family