Dear Human,

We've been through a lot, you and me. You were there my entire life, and I, only a part of yours. You picked me out of all the puppies at a shelter. I was the fattest one and you liked that. You gave me a big final hug before saying, "I pick him," but I knew that you were my human. I no longer had a cold crowded cage with my brothers to share and call home. Instead, I had a house, toys and my own bed. You gave me my own food bowl and my own back yard. You gave me heaven.

You loved me even though, as I got bigger, I jumped fences and dug holes. I ate shoes and power cords. I ran away from home a lot and I barked at one neighbor all the time. You loved me anyways.

You took me on walks and rode your bike behind me so I could run the neighborhood. You fed me cheese and treats and you even shared your own food because you knew I would eat it before you if you didn't share. Even when you did give me food, I would still steal yours. You loved me anyways.

As I got older, I saw you cry. I couldn't understand what upset you or why you were sad so I curled up next to you in bed and laid my head on you. I wanted you to feel better. I didn't know it was possible, but I loved you more.

You brought other dogs home. You told me to be the senior dog and show them the ropes. You didn't mean show them how to escape, but I taught them that. You loved me anyways.

You loved me when I ran away from home and got picked up by animal control. You loved me when you paid for me to get out of there. You loved me the whole way home.

You cried when I got hit by a car. I knew I was OK, but you didn't. I was sore but I was OK. I knew you loved me most. The worry in your eyes - I wanted it to go away.

We moved when I got older. You said it would be good for me. That I couldn't run as much. To make me happier you bought me yummy bones and took me to barns to run when I had the energy to. Those bones were my favorite though.

You fed me chicken and pork. You gave me more than the other dogs. I looked forward to it every night at dinner time.

But one day, I started having trouble breathing. You knew I was getting old. My teeth hurt and it was hard to eat. You had that worried look on your face again.

You knew our time was coming to a close. You tried to hide the tears but I knew you were sad. You hugged me more than usual. You told me I was a good boy more and more each day and you said you loved me every chance you had. It made me feel better hearing you say that. It made everything OK for a minute.

I knew you worried if I would be there when morning came. I held on as long as I could. It got harder to walk and harder to breathe. You and I both knew when my time was. You hugged me and said told me I could run and jump fences again. You told me not to worry and that it was OK. You loved me everyday. You loved me and I loved you back.

You gave me the best life I could have ever had and it all started out with a hug.

I was only apart of your life for a little while, but you were my entire life.

I loved you every day in every way possible.

Love,

Your best friend, companion, your side kick, Tahoe.