Dear Bristol,

Thank you for being my built in best friend. Receiving you for my birthday present when I was a little girl was one of the best gifts I could ever ask for. I couldn't imagine growing up without hearing your little paws around the house and your endless barks.

Out of all of the pets I have had, you were definitely my biggest protector. No one could ever come near me unless you gave them permission and I always felt safe when you were by my side. This is one of the things I truly didn't appreciate as much as I should have.

Being in college without you was so hard, especially since I knew you were growing older. All I wanted to do was spend time with you because I knew how valuable our little time together truly was. It was absolutely heartbreaking when I didn't get to say goodbye to you, you were gone too soon. I can still remember how empty I felt after I received the phone call that you had left us. I felt relieved when I heard that you decided to let go when dad was petting you by the fire place. I knew that this was one of your many happy places.

Speaking of happy places, going to the cabin, your favorite place, feels so different now. It is quiet and their isn't as much ruckus as there used to be. I miss the way you would chase after the four wheeler sprinting as you were trying to win a race car. I miss the way you used to jump into the lake the second we got there and then you would try to go into the house soaking wet. I miss the way you used to sunbathe on the pontoon acting like you didn't have a worry in the world.

This year, I still celebrated your birthday. January 31st, what a special day. I imagined you eating your birthday cupcake and wagging your tail eating for unlimited treats. This is a day to celebrate how amazing you were. It was hard to have your birthday roll around without you here but I knew you were watching down from puppy heaven giving me that look that means everything will be okay.

Life has been hard without you here. Whenever I would go home, I knew I would always have you to comfort me when I was feeling sad and bring a smile to my face. I miss your cuddles, the way you used to guard your food even if you weren't going to eat it, your tennis ball addiction, and so much more. I would give up so much just to have you here again. Even though you may not be with my physically, I know you will always be with me wherever I go. You have impacted my life so much and I can not thank you enough for showing me what unconditional love felt like.

Rest easy Bristol, you will always be missed.