Dear Coop,

While I write this short letter to you, I'm laughing as I listen to you snore on the floor next to me. I think my favorite thing is when you're asleep and the tip of your tongue sticks out of your mouth. I have many pictures and videos of it, don't worry. I'm not sure where I am planning for this letter to go, but I'm going to wing it because I want to share my thoughts about you and our relationship with the world.

You are about a month away from being two-years-old, which means we are also nearing the two-year mark of you being my best friend and companion. Two years have flown by, but some of my greatest memories and deepest laughs have come from you and your shenanigans. I sleep better at night with you by my feet or even pushing me off of my own pillow, and some days you are the main reason I rise out of bed. It's crazy to me that an animal can have such a large impact on someone's life and mental state, but you amaze me more and more every day.

I know I talk to you a lot and I'm sure much of it you don't comprehend, but you make for a pretty great listener. You probably don't know it, but many times you've given me advice without ever saying a word. You've been with me while I have experienced loss, excitement, exciting accomplishments, and even some tears when the world has piled on a little too much. Just seeing your sweet face when I walk through the door after a tough test or a long day in classes can immediately make my day 10 times better.

I have never known a love and bond like the one I share with you. It's a bond different from those shared with family members and the best of friends. From car rides back and forth to work and home, to laying in bed watching Law and Order: SVU, you are always right by my side. My friends and family (and even strangers), admire the way you listen and how well-behaved you are in even the most chaotic environments. We all laugh when you won't leave the apartment to go outside with anyone but me, but in reality, I love that you love me so much.

People I know have had dogs their entire lives, but no one has ever seen or had a dog love them in the way that you love me. I am so grateful that the universe picked me to be your human. Through the best of days and the worst, I always have you to come home to. I know at times it seems like I'm too busy for a walk or to throw the ball, but I hope I make up for it on the days when school isn't piling on too much.

I love you more than you will ever understand little nug!

xoxo,

Your Human