When I was a kid, I never had a dog or a cat. My parents stuck to the animals that were easy to take care of, like birds, fish, and my now nine-year-old turtle, Tuck. My brother and I would always beg for a dog around our birthdays and Christmas, because we figured it would be the perfect gift for us. This never really worked, though. My parents never gave in. Although I love my turtle, I knew when I got to college I wanted a puppy. My boyfriend made this a reality for me and I’m so grateful. This one goes out to my three fur babies: Chunk, Butters, and Spot.

I remember the day I met you. It was recently, actually. Probably about six months ago, we heard about you from a friend in Birmingham. We road-tripped for about four hours to come meet you and we unexpectedly brought you home with us that same day. You were so well-behaved on the ride home. You really just slept the whole way. Sorry I kept waking you up, I just couldn’t stop Snapchatting pictures of you for my story.

Six months ago, you were so little, I could hold you in one hand. It’s so crazy how fast you grew up. You’re gotten so big in just a short amount of time! I can’t wait to see what you look like when you’re fully grown and compare the pictures from before and after. You’re supposed to get really big, like a guard dog. I’m so glad I adopted you when you were young, so now I can go through life with my partner-in-crime by my side.

I’ve had some of the best experiences of my life with you. Going on walks in the park and going to the beach with you are my favorite things to do on the weekends. One weekend, we had a bunch of friends come over for a bonfire and you sat there, just peacefully watching the fire.

I love when I’ve been out of the house all day and I come home to you jumping all over me and licking my face. It makes me laugh uncontrollably! You’re so excited to see me, and I love knowing that I’ll always be loved by you.

Thank you for always being there for me. Whenever I need someone to talk to, you are always there. When I have my stressful moments and tears shed, you are always there with your head in my lap, comforting me. You make me laugh and you comfort me when I’m sad. I know that I will always have a shoulder to cry on and someone who will always have my back. The best decision of my life was bringing you home because now I have a forever friend, a partner-in-crime, and a cuddle buddy, who taught me unconditional love. Even though you can't talk, I know you understand me. You're my go-to and my number one, and I honestly couldn't ask for a better friend.