Oh, Ellie,

You were quite the dog. Everyone and their cousin knew who you were. The big polar bear who wanted to be showered with lots of ear rubs and bacon. Although I was not a part of your entire life, I felt as if I were. We’ve been through some pretty memorable things together: breakups, the many times you loved to jump the fence on Valley Street, and we’d have to go find you, the times when the cat would steal your bed and you would moodily sleep next to her on the floor. Oh and let’s not forget the three times you ate my Easter basket! (Still not exactly sure how you never got sick any of those times).

Having you as my pal to chat with after school, in the mornings with mom, and obviously anytime we were cooking food has made me miss you even more now that you are gone. Now who’s going to eat my leftover chicken? Because God knows I never finish it. I guess Rosie will have to start enjoying chicken! Totally kidding.

Just in case if you are curious, you will be placed in the ladyroom. It seems appropriate. Also, we will have your paw print that will have its own spot on the shelf. Although I can’t bother you with my obnoxious singing anymore, I know I can always go to the little she-shed and sing to you there.

What’s impressive to me is the amount of names that you attained. I mean who needs 20 names?? Apparently you do, Ellie, Maynard, May-May, Bear, Emer. I could go on, but for the sake of the readers, I won’t.

I was scrolling through past pictures a few days ago. Remember when mom drew eyebrows on you? Yea, sorry about that. However, you looked pretty badass.

If you are wondering how I am doing, I am doing just fine. It’s likely that I will hear you still plop your giant body down everytime you decide to lay down, but it’s totally cool. Oh, I will still randomly just say your name out loud for no reason like I always did. Some things just never change.

I am pretty sure that Rosie notices you aren't around anymore. I am assuming she misses pissing you off every time she’d go get water and you’d scurry to go protect your food bowl, assuming that she’d want to take a nibble of your oh-so delicious, Pedigree. PSA: she never wanted your food. She literally just wanted water.

I could write a novella about all of our memories together, but those I would like to keep between us. Thank you for being a homie and just being your loving, hungry, beautiful self. You were a great pal to me and many of the people I hold dearly in my life.

You are loved and will forever be missed.

Lots of love from your sissy,

Maria