To my old dog:

I know how much effort it takes for you to get up and greet me when I get home. You still wag your tail and lick my face. We have come a long way together. It has been so fun growing up with you around the house. You are the best Christmas present the family has ever gotten. I don't honestly know what I will do once you are gone.

As I sit back and reminisce on all the fun memories that we have had over the years: the countless hours spent playing tug-of-war in the yard and running around chasing one another. Secretly feeding you food from the table was always fun, but we never let mom catch us. You were always there to cuddle with me in bed when I was sick or on the couch taking a nap. Even though you may have the worst breath on the face of the planet I still let you give me kisses on my face. You have been a pain in my butt, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Now our time together is slowly dwindling. You are aging much harder than I am. Your legs don't work correctly, and that means that I have to help you get up, but it is really okay. Every now and then you might have an accident in the house, but we just clean up after you so it is okay. You might pace and walk aimlessly around, but we still love you. You are completely deaf and losing your eyesight too, but you are still the same puppy to us. We still talk to you just like we always have. You sure were a looker when you were a younger dog; a pure-bred hunting dog is a sight to see. You were such a good dog, too. You never chewed on my shoes or peed in my bed, so that was really courteous of you. Needless to say, I am glad that I have gotten to have you in my life. You are such a blessing in my life. I will love you forever.