Dear Tyler,

You may not know this, but you were my best friend. I know that sounds really cliché, but you were my baby. You made my move from New York to Michigan much easier, and you were my last New York baby left.

You were there for me through every step of the way, and you made me feel better when I was down. You licked my tears away when I was sad and spent hours playing outside with me. You were so energetic and playful, but as you got older you started to lose your energy and I saw that your hips were bothering you. No matter how much your hips were hurting you wouldn’t let that stop you from playing with dogs next door. Even if that meant you limping the next day. Your hips got worse and worse and you got sick and I knew that one day you would have to leave me to cross that rainbow bridge.

Over the last month, I saw you go from a somewhat healthy dog to a paper thin one. The cancer was taking a toll on you. It was then I knew that your time on this earth was just about over. I spent as much time with as I could on your last few nights. But on your last night with me, I laid with all night as you struggled to breath. I didn’t want you to be alone, and I wanted you to know how much I loved you. As I laid there hugging you I told you that it was ok for you to go, that we would be ok. I left the room for a few minutes and the next thing I knew you had crossed the bridge. You were finally at peace and with our other fur babies who were in heaven.

Your collar has a new home in my room on a huge dog stuffed animal. A constant reminder that even though you’re gone, you are always in my heart. It will take my heart a while to heal but I am happy that you are in a better place.

I can never thank you enough for your unconditional love and for being there all these years. Your friendship was the best thing I could have ever asked for.

I have and always will love you.

-Your heartbroken best friend