Dear Chester,

Since the day you came to our house when you were 6 months old, I have never known a love quite like you. You have shown me countless times how easily one living thing can impact another. I never thought that I would love someone as much as I love you and looking back, our relationship has always been codependent on each other's love and admiration for one another.

I was going into 4th grade, walking around the state fair when my parents and I saw you in a catalog of adoptable dogs. We scheduled a time for you to come over to our house and the moment you met us, you never wanted to look back. We grew super close because there was so much to life that you had yet to learn. I spent time helping you learn to bark and play while you gave me kisses and always seemed happy to see me. You slept in my room every night of my childhood and you took in all of my friends as if they were a part of the family. You became my best friend and I always look forward to seeing you.

Not every day was great, I especially remember the days I was sad or depressed. I remember the days I came running off the bus crying because of bullies and the days I got calls from past boyfriends wanting to break up. Every time I couldn't hold back my tears, you were there. I would always sit on our staircase and you would always sit beside me, giving me every kiss you could. Then, you would leave and run around the house, and when you came back to me, you would always bring me your favorite ball because it makes you happy, why shouldn't it make me happy, too?

I remember the years when making friends was super hard for me. I remember the times when I felt like giving up. I remember all of the negatives in life but you were always a positive to me. You were the friend I never had in school and you were the thing that always brightened up my day no matter how I was feeling.

I wanted to write to you because today, you received a new little brother. The attention is no longer on you 24/7 now that there's a new puppy in the house and since I am in school now, I am away from home so much that I can't always be there for you like you were there for me. I wish I could be home with you to snuggle you and take you to your favorite places, Starbucks and McDonald's. I wish I could be home every day to tickle your feet and throw your ball. I wish I could take you on more car rides because even though they scare you, you always feel better when I pet you during the drive.

I miss your constant smiles and your unconditional love while I'm away at college.

I love you.

Love, Katie