To my four-legged friend,
Every Christmas Day, I would rip open tons of presents, hoping to find a box finished off with a bright red bow, with holes on the outside and barking on the inside. I wished for you every single year, but you never came.
One summer evening, I was lying in bed, fast asleep as I heard my door open. A small, furry body was placed on my chest and my cheek was receiving wet kisses. My parents finally came through and you had arrived.
During your first few nights, you were terrified and cried often, thinking of the whereabouts of your previous owners. You tried your best to adapt to this new world filled with couches, pillows and the smell of a warm, vanilla candle. Little did you know, you would soon consider this weird place your new home.
Day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, you deliver unlimited amounts of happiness to our family. When I have a rough day at work or get into an argument with a friend, seeing you standing on the other side of the door waiting for me always means so much. Your greeting is not just a brush against my leg, but a leap onto me, followed by tons of barking and wet kisses. You show me how much you love me every single day.
When I need someone to just listen to me, that is what you do best. You are the cheapest therapist I will ever have! You sit there and lie on me or just smile with your mouth wide open, letting me know that you, in fact, care.
Anyone who steps foot into our house knows that you are the princess of the castle. If they even think about disrespecting you, they are not welcome. You and all your doggy friends deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and shown tons of love. My next boyfriend needs to love you or it is a no deal kind of thing.
I can’t take how cute you are when you sleep. When I am with my friends, they all must look at the photos of you sleeping that I have hundreds of. I don’t care if they don’t like them or not. If they have to see 40 of the same shot of you lying on our couch to know how cute you are, they are going to see them!
Playing with you is one of my favorite activities. Watching you retrieve all your favorite stuffed-animal toys is always so satisfying. The happiness you express just over getting a ball is something I wish I had for the simple things in life.
Feeding you is also always an adventure. I never want to give you human food, but you always know how to get me with that constant crying of yours. I cave almost every time (you really have to knock it off!). I'll never forget the time we were watching TV on the couch and you saw dad sleeping as the perfect opportunity to lick off the rim of his bowl of chili.
You never ask for much: a simple belly rub here and there, a tasty, bacon-flavored bone, and to be loved and cared for. Our family was not as happy before you came into our lives. You continue to teach us some very valuable lessons.
Because of you, I have learned to be more patient with people. Potty-training you was a difficult task, but you finally figured out how it’s done (after 100+ accidents, of course). A little patience can go a long way.
Because of you, I have learned to give people second chances. You did not want to leave your previous family, but you gave ours a chance to be your new family. You showed us love from the minute you came strutting into our lives.
Because of you, I have learned that it is ok to take a break and go for a nap. You need a nap, just from sleeping all day. Thanks for showing me it is ok to pause life and take a break.
And because of you, I know how to show someone I appreciate them. You don’t need to wait for the holidays to let your family know you love them. Your daily kisses remind me that I can show my appreciation every day.
Thank you for being my best friend and for bringing happiness into my life over the years. Thank you for loving me more than you love yourself. Lastly, thank you for making me be a better version of myself every day.
Love you tons,
Your Owner
