Dear Puppy,

I know I have always called you my puppy, even though we got you at five years old. To me, you will always be my puppy because you're my baby. You stole my heart the first day that I laid eyes on you. I remember the day that I met you; my mom was taking me to all of these random places. Little did I know that our last stop was to get you, my first dog. I was so happy because all of the years of begging and pleading to get a dog had finally paid off. My love didn't even burn off after having you for a few months. If anything, I fell deeper in love with you every day. Between all of the long walks, our secret-sharing sessions, and the warm snuggles together, I embraced all of the moments with you.

I always loved how you were always there for me no matter what. You made some really tough situations easier because you would just let me curl up with you and cry it out. I couldn't have asked for any better life companion.

Now you are probably wondering why I am writing a letter to you because after all it has been two months since I have talked to you. I just wanted to let you know that we did get a new puppy, Toby Bentley, but that no other dog could ever fill the void in my heart that has been left. I wish you were still here with us every day and you are always on my mind. Sometimes I feel as if you are still here with us in spirit. I know that if you were still here with us today, you would be in love with Toby. You would love to run around the house with him and you would treat him as one of your own babies like you did with the cats. Now, I don't want you to worry about the duties that you did. Toby definitely has picked up a lot of your habits. He chases around Sunshine and tries to sniff her, grooms Bella, and yes Jenny keeps him in line. Toby also loves to spend time with Truffles. But most importantly, he keeps our family herded like you always did.

I know that not all of the wishing in the world could bring you back to us, but you will always be remembered by everyone that you ever met. Not only were you a retired national champ, but you brought two families together and opened so many doors for everyone. Unfortunately, now all I have left of you is all of the warm memories, the swatch of fibers of love (your fur that you left everywhere) in my new car, the pictures, and your ashes and pawprints. But you will always live on with me.

If you could please tell all of our other animals in animal heaven that we also say hi and we love them too. I am sure they would also love to trade stories of their lifetimes.

I will always and forever love you, Ceaser.

Sincerely,

Mandy (your second in command human)