Sweet girl,
You have been by my side for ten years now. You have seen me through the most awkward and cringe-worthy stages. You slept at my feet for eight years before I had to leave home for this thing us humans call "college"--a place where we study and make friends and grow a whole bunch.
I know you don't understand. How could I leave you behind? How could your dog mom just get up and leave one day and come home only every once in while without thinking twice about it?
That's the thing. I do think about it because, trust me, I hate it too. I hate not being able to see you every day and snuggle with you in the moments where I'm ecstatic or when I need to cry my eyes out or when I just want to cuddle (which is pretty much all the time).
I miss the pitter patter of your paws in the morning when you are ready to go out and the way you snag at your bowl when you are hungry or thirsty. I miss your sassy little prance when you get your way (which is most of the time). But most of all I just miss your presence.
Nothing fills the void of missing you. Even though I sometimes spend time with other dog friends, it's just not the same. The bond we have is much too real. You are a part of my childhood and have seen me grow into the person I've become. And so, I'm much too attached to you.
Although some may find this letter a little cheesy, I don't care.
I understand dog people because their furry friends are their shadows that have helped get them through not only the heartbreaks and the painful tears but also the happy moments and the ones where there are tears of joy. I know what it is like to come home after a long, hard day and have my shadow's joy heal my heart.
So my shadow, this one's for you.
You are all the good things that people look for in their human to human relationships. Most of all the other dog moms and dog dads feel the same about their shadows as I do about you.
You are full of love and sass. You are faithful and loyal. You bring me laughter and contentment. You shake things off and keep going. You are dependable because you always want to be there with me. You make me feel loved, and my girl, isn't that what we're all searching for?
A spirit of reliance to fall back on.
Yes, like most relationships, it takes a lot of work. But if I could have you here with me, I would take you in a heartbeat.
Unfortunately, there are things that even I can't understand about the timing of everything. Here at college, where I live does not allow you and other dog friends. And it breaks my heart.
That's what makes seeing you every time I come home sweeter and sweeter. The time I spend with you is cherished. I hope somewhere in your sweet, spirited heart you know that.
I pray that one of these days I will be able to keep you again for good.
Until then, I cannot wait to spoil you and love on you when I get home.
See you soon little ball of fur,
Your dog mom