To my sweet puppy,
As I write this, you’re sitting at my feet, shaking the sock that you stole from my room as fast as your little head will allow. While I’ll probably need that sock at some point in the future, I can’t quite bring myself to stop you because you're just so darn adorable. Yesterday, you ate my roommate’s headphones (thanks for that, now I owe her new ones); you chase the cats around like there’s no tomorrow; and there’s really nothing like seeing you run down the stairs with someone’s underwear in your mouth.
You’re a pain in my butt, but I wouldn’t trade you for the world.
Sometimes I question my decision to get a dog in college — you can thank finals week for that one. I’m already super busy, most days I’m gone from 7:30 a.m. till 5 p.m., and some days I’m just plain tired. But I never for one minute regret making you a part of my family. Even though you wake me up two or three times a night to go outside, and I no longer have any matching socks, when you curl up next to me under the covers, it makes me feel a little less lonely during this stressful time in life.
You’ve taught me so many things in the short five months that I’ve gotten to be your mom. I’ve had to learn how to be patient. I’ve had to learn how to put someone else’s needs before my own. I’ve had to realize that the little messes in life aren’t all that bad. Sometimes all you really need is someone to give you a good back rub and let you snuggle in their lap for everything in the world to be all right. Oh, and dinner time really is the best time of the day.
When I have a rough week, or a bad day, or just really want to take a nap because it’s all just too much work, you’re there for me, making me laugh by the way you chase your tail or run around the coffee table in circles as fast as your short puppy legs will carry you. When I’m worrying about school or stressing about a paper, you come and sit in my lap (sometimes on my laptop) and remind me that it’s OK to take a break and relax. You rest your little head on my arm and make it impossible to type, and it’s a welcome, comforting distraction.
I’ve never had someone love me so unconditionally.
It’s a beautiful reminder of how I am loved by someone else, someone much bigger than you, little pup. Someone whose joyful spirit and playful heart are so beautifully reflected in your little furry body. Someone who comforts me when I’m hurting and gives me peace when there’s pain. Someone who thought I could use a sweet, little dog to brighten up my life. My heavenly Father gives me good gifts, and I count you as one of the best.
I hope you keep chewing my socks up and hogging the bed for many years to come. I haven’t had you long, but I couldn’t imagine my life without you. You have turned me into one of those crazy dog parents that show people pictures of their pets even when they have absolutely no desire to see them, but I’m OK with it. I’m so thankful for you, little pup. Keep waking me up with your cold, little nose and giving me those sloppy kisses for as long as you want.
I don’t mind.
Love forever,
Mom (or Master… whichever you prefer)
