Dear Zoey,

You're the best dog I've ever had. And now that you're getting older, I wanted to take some time to tell you all the things I've never told you. We've been through a lot these past 10 years: my first boyfriend, my first heartbreak, high school, graduation, college, and everything in between. And I'm so thankful that you were there by my side through it all.

Thank you for always being there. For letting me hold you while I cried over the boy who broke my heart. For knowing when I need a good cuddling session, and being more than willing to oblige. Thank you for knowing when I'm sad and just coming to lay next to me. It means more than you'll ever know. Thank you for putting up with the thousands of pictures I take of you, and for actually looking at the camera for some of them. Thank you for letting me love on you, and cover you with kisses and hugs. Thank you for still loving me when I accidentally trip over you. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for being excited to see me every time. And thank you for being your high-pitch barking, hyper, car-chasing, hot-dog-loving, running-away self. Other people may hate it, but it's what makes you you. And I wouldn't change any of it.

I hate that I couldn't take you with me when I moved for college, and that I barely get to see you. I miss you every day. And no matter what anyone says, you are the cutest dog to ever exist. Every day with you is cherished. I know you could pass away any day, and I know I'll never be prepared for that. But I hope you keep living for a long time, because I don't know what I'll do without you. And no one will ever replace you. I keep a picture of you as my background on my phone, so that way I can see you every day. And I find myself wanting to call you to talk to you, and then I remember that you can't answer. I hope you know how much you mean to me, and how big of an impact you've had on my life.

I love you Zoey.