I was in second grade. Running around my classroom telling everyone that I was getting a puppy! My brothers and I had wanted one for years. Finally, it was happening. I hopped off the school bus and ran inside; there he was. This cute little tri-colored dog with pointy ears. I was obsessed. He was sitting in front of my brother so patiently and well behaved. I knew we were going to be best friends.

My dad was not the fondest of the idea of getting a dog, but boy did that sure change. He may or may not have asked, "what is that" when he came home from work that day, but that attitude did not last very long. My dad fell in love with this puppy faster than he fell in love with the sport of golf. If anyone knows my dad, the golf channel is on 24/7 in the Lee Household.

To this day, Gibson was the kindest, sweetest, most caring and loving dog that I will ever know. Though, I may be biased.

If anyone knows me, you know that Gibson meant the world and then some to me. I took the jokes in high school like a champ (kinda). A little bit of sass here and there. I loved you like no other. Worrying about you so much that I began to cry in Spanish class sophomore year because I thought I smelled fire when I left you for school in the morning. Yeah, you could say he was one of the most important things in my life.

When I say you were my best friend, I am not exaggerating. You were there for me through everything, even when I started turning people away. You refused. A simple thank you would never be enough for you. I can think of an infinite amount of reasons of why I am thankful, but by the time I finish typing, I would be with you again.

Thank you... for always being a great defender when I needed to practice my soccer skills.

Thank you... for not biting me when I stepped on your paws or accidentally tripped over you.

Thank you... for always wanting to share some apple slices and peanut butter with me.

Thank you... for cuddling with me even though I'm sure you were not enthused sometimes.

Thank you... for protecting me from possible intruders that could have broken into the house while we were home alone.

Thank you... for always being down to watch some Netflix at any time.

Thank you... for stopping at every leaf on every bush to sniff and leave your mark while we were on a walk.

Thank you... for licking the lotion off of my legs after I had just put it on.

Thank you... for greeting me at the door even if I was just getting home from practice at 10:30 p.m.

Thank you... for giving me kisses every time I saw you.

Thank you... for going through therapy dog training and certification.

Thank you... for bringing me comfort when times got tough.

Thank you... for helping me bring comfort to others that need it most.

Thank you... for being the most well-behaved dog for which any family could ask.

Thank you... for bringing so much joy to my heart for 12 years.

Thank you... for being the chicken to my nugget.

Thank you... for being the "best of boys."

Words cannot express how much I miss you, Gib, but I'll see you soon. Be nice to Grandpa while I am not there. I cannot wait to meet your puppy friends.

Love you bunches, nugget!

Meg