Dear Ernest,
It's been a while since I've last saw you. I wouldn't be writing about this though I really wanted to express unconditional love I have for you, even though I know you can't say anything back. But to really start, I miss you. It's weird since even though I went home a couple of weeks ago, it feels like I haven't seen you in years. This year has been especially stressful, with the crazy amount of work that I've been going through. Since the day we got you, you've been by my side through the times I needed someone there, and didn't want to say anything. Through stressful times in school, relationships, and family hardships, you've been there for me. And, as my second year of college comes to a close, I'm starting to feel more sentimental about our time apart with all these school and social feels.
It's not like every day I get to see a dog, but when I do, especially a dog that looks very much like you, I get a little tugging on my heart that goes "aw" and wish the dog would come and play with me. Sometimes it works, where the dog will come over, but it usually doesn't work out when I want to play with another dog. Not only are some dogs too shy to come play or even sniff my hand, but they also aren't as small and lovable as you. It's not every day that I get to see a small, black wiener dog in San Antonio that looks like you. But that just makes you all the more special, and all the more to miss.
Sometimes I think it's really dumb that I have such a strong attachment to you. It's not a bad thing, because, in the circumstances that we found you, it seems like you needed us more than we need you. I remember that day when brother and I came back from Austin, and we pulled up in front of Carol's house to come get you. I remember you getting so excited in seeing us, your little tail wagging uncontrollably. Maybe you knew then that we were going to keep you. Maybe you thought we were just weird strangers. But in that moment, to me, you become something bigger and a part of my life in a pretty unexpected, and lucky way.
In the beginning, you were a little turd. You would whine whenever we weren't in the room with you. You would poop and pee everywhere. You were also going to be given away by dad, but somehow, even through our convincing, yourself changed his heart. It was probably the puppy eyes. But either way, I'm glad that he didn't. I don't know if you noticed, but everyone in the family loves you, even the extended family members that don't even like dogs love you. There's something special in the way you bring people together, bringing us closer than we thought we could. Through our rough family times, or personal times, I'm still really glad you're our dog.
Even if you still are a little turd, I love you, Ernest Gaston Lee.
Love,
Hester
