The day that my mom brought you home was one of the best days of my life. You were the tiniest little dachshund - the runt of the litter, actually - and I fell in love with you instantly, before I even really knew what love was. I was just a kindergardner, and I named you Lady after my favorite Disney movie at that age: "Lady and the Tramp." You were my best friend from that day forward. Best four-legged friend, anyway.
I still remember how you were so small that you could fit through the tiny space under the bathroom door and how you would try to jump in the bathtub with me, even though you hated water. I remember how you used to chase my sister and I around the yard playing with us and how you used to bark and jump on us when we'd wrestle. I remember how much you loved riding on ATVs and lawnmowers with us and how you'd go anywhere so long as we were with you. You were a tiny red bundle of fun, and I looked forward to playing with you day in and day out.
I also remember all the times you were hurt and sick. Watching you suffer in pain was, by far, one of the worst experiences of my life. Every emergency visit to the vet left me heartbroken and in tears. I was just a kid who didn't know if her best friend was coming home again. Fortunately, you're a tough little sausage dog, and you made it through. You stuck it out, because you still had love to give and to receive.
Sixteen years later, you're still a fine member of our family. You move a little slower, your hearing and vision aren't so sharp, and your fur is a bit gray, but you are no less of a friend or family member. To this very day, my mom still calls you our "sister" because you've always been like one. You've always had to do whatever we did, go wherever we went, and even eat what we ate!
You may not be able to chase squirrels and birds like you used to, but you're just as much fun to lounge around and cuddle with. And even though you can't hear me, you're still a great friend to lend an ear when I need to talk and a paw to cry on when I need to shed a few tears. You still make me as happy as you did when you were a lively, rambunctious puppy, and you've taught me more than you could ever know, all without speaking a word.
You've made me a better person. You've shown me what loyalty and love looks like. You've taught me how to be compassionate and caring toward humans and animals alike. You've taught me an incredible amount of patience (by testing it, of course), but most importantly, you've taught me how live - I mean, really live. You've taught me not to worry so much about the small things and to try to find happiness in every aspect of my life. You've taught me to value experiences and time spent as opposed to money and possessions, because we only have so many years on this earth, because we only have so many years together.
I know that a day will come when you're no longer a part of my life, and I absolutely dread that day. But even though you may not be with me physically, I know that I can always find you in spirit. The years we have spent together will be cherished in my memories always. Your paw prints will forever be on my heart. Thank you for being my best four-legged friend.
