My beloved Stevie,

I can recall the day, the moment and the feelings I’d experienced when you first entered our life. It was several years ago, my sister and I had just been let out school for the day, and we called our mom for a ride home.

Little did we know that when she said she couldn’t get us, that she was busy with something, that she was adopting a dog, and assuming you into our family. I never could have guessed how much you would come to solidify the glue that tied my familial bonds together.

I could have never imagined how integral a role you would come to play in my high school life, and my first two years of college. I will always remember the shock and excitement my sister and I felt the moment our mom told us that she was adopting a special needs dog. She told us we would need to give you extra tender, love and care (T.L.C.). She said you would need tons of medicine and noteworthy attention. That never seemed to be a factor, however, in the way we cared for and about you.

I remember the first time holding your fragile, emaciated body and thinking how gentle your demeanor was. Your body was frail and your arms slightly deformed, but your eyes dove deep in my soul and tugged at my heartstrings. We instantly connected, and my sister fell in love.

When you’d walk, you’d prance.

I can still recall the pitter patter of your feet, as you danced around the house. You were blind, and yet you managed to bring so much light and color to my family. You exuded humor and serenity.

I’ll miss the way you'd scratch at the walls when you were stressed, leaving behind broken wallpaper and chips of paint. I still yearn to see just one more time, the way you’d stretch in a way that resembled yoga poses.

It’s hard to come to terms with the fact that I’ll never see you again. I’ll never get to gaze in your big brown eyes and I’ll never again get to feel you sleeping at the foot of my bed. I’ll never get to administer any of your many medicines and I’ll never again run home from work to change your diaper.

As heartbroken as I am during your recent passing, I know you are now in a far better place. You are no longer a patient at the vet, and no longer blindly bumbling into walls. You no longer will feel the pressure of your oversized heart pressing down on your trachea, and you'll never again feel the pain you'd been feeling for a while.

Still, I'll miss the way your eyes would widen when you'd smell a hint of peanut butter, and the way your tongue would flap around when we'd go for a long walk. I'll miss the perk in your step and the positive energy that you emulated everyday.

You were a good dog Stevie. Everything you did, you did with gusto. You were helpless at times, however, the amount of laughter you created in our home was invaluable. Your gentle soul will never be forgotten. From the bottom of my heart I will miss you and your charm. From your fluffy tail to your long floppy ears, your unique features and adorable personality, you will not be forgotten.

I wish you nothing but sweet dreams and plenty of land to prance around the clouds in. I love you Stevie, always will.

xoxo & R.I.P.