It feels like just yesterday I came home to a puppy hiding in the corner of my couch. I remember struggling to pick out a name, and arguing because I wanted to name you Brownie, but apparently that wasn’t what everyone else wanted. You instantly became my best friend, the one I turned to when I was happy, sad, or angry. You were always there to greet me at the door, and to beg me for food (even when you knew you weren’t supposed to be in the kitchen during dinner time). You never failed to make me happy.
As I got older, I neglected to notice that you were getting older too. I was able to do more, like drive and get a job, meanwhile you were able to do less. You stopped being able to jump onto my bed, play fetch, or even sometimes walk down the stairs. Regardless of the condition you were in, you made sure to wag your tail and let us know that you were happy. Your age never altered your wonderful personality, and for that I am grateful.
I still remember the day I got the phone call at school, telling me that you were sick and you weren’t going to last more than a couple of days. I went home immediately, so that way I could be by your side and you could spend your last hours surrounded by love and your family. I remember watching you take your last breath, and I can still feel the same pain I felt that day.
Even though I wish you were still here with me, I know that you’re in a better place. You were suffering, and knowing that you’re no longer in pain anymore helps ease the pain of missing you. I don’t exactly know what doggy heaven looks like, but I hope it’s filled with lots of people-food, tennis balls, and other dogs for you to play with. I hope you’re having the time of your life, and that you’re happy. I know you’re watching over us, making sure everything is okay.
I hope you know how much your family loved you. How much we cherished our time with you, and how deeply you are missed. Whenever I come home from college, I still expect to have you greet me at the door. Even though you aren’t physically there, I know you’re still there in spirit. No matter how many other dogs come into my life, I’ll always remember and miss you just as much as I did the day you passed. No other dog can ever take your place in my heart. You were the best dog a family could ask for, and I will spend the rest of my life wishing I could clone you, or that dogs lived as long as people did. Thank you for teaching me life lessons, such as how to be patient and how to love unconditionally. You will forever be missed, I love you.
