Dear Sarah,

Hello, baby. I miss you. I think about you all the time. I hope you are happy in heaven. I hope you get all the treats, belly rubs and walks in the world! I'm writing you this letter today to say not only how much I miss you, but to thank you as well.

I miss coming home and seeing your face in the front windows every day. Every single day, you waited for me to get home for school so you could greet me with slobbery kisses. I always looked forward to seeing your happy self! Sometimes you would hide from the world and I would get to surprise you. I remember letting you outside every afternoon, and every afternoon you would bound through the yard like a gazelle, always coming back to kiss me.

I miss my listener. I miss being able to come home and just cuddle with you. You loved me for me, with such a love no human seems capable of possessing. You were the one I vented, cried and laughed with. I could talk to you about anything, and you would just watch me so intently I knew you were listening.

I miss us taking care of each other. I miss my thunderstorm cuddle buddy. We were both so afraid of storms we always had to be with each other. I miss you always staying next to me when I was sick. You were always right by my side during asthma attacks. I miss feeding, bathing and loving you. I miss taking care of you when you struggled to go up the stairs as a senior citizen.

I miss taking you hiking at the local trail. We would let you off the leash and you would gallop through the creek waters. You used to rush ahead of us but always came running back to make sure we were behind you.

I remember realizing we wouldn't have you for much longer. You began going potty in the house again. You could barely walk up or down the stairs. I remember petting and cooing to you that everything would be OK. I remember dad coming home without you.

Thank you, be being the best. You taught me what it means to be a proper woman with a little bit of sass. You taught me that even if an entire day has gone down the gutter, there will be at least one reason to smile. Thank you for teaching me to appreciate the little things in life, such as belly rubs and backyards.

I miss my childhood fur baby. You were literally the best dog ever, and I know everyone says that, but it was true. You were so sweet to everyone, great with kids, but would protect our family in an instant.

I miss you, Sarah. I hope you have been having fun chasing your tail and cats in heaven.

Love,

Your human