I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by pets most of my life. I have had dogs, cats, fish, hamsters and even a hedge hog. However, nothing compares to the love and friendship I found with my dog Sammy. I moved to a new house when I was five. Not long after we got a husky retriever mix puppy and named her Sammy. Sammy and I grew up together. Whenever I needed someone to talk to she would listen.

Whenever I needed someone to cry to she was there licking the tears off my face, making me laugh because it was so cute and it tickled a little bit. Sammy loved to go everywhere with me. Whether it be running in the yard or going on an adventure to the river, Sammy would happily go. Imagine the relationship you have with your best friend. Sammy and I had a friendship that was ten times deeper. Even though she was a dog she really understood me. I could see the care and compassion in her eyes. When I was sick she would be by my side cuddling and protecting me.

When I had a bad day she would be waiting for me at the gate barking in excitement to see me. It always made me feel just that much better. Sammy and I went through a lot together. Loss of friends, family, elementary school, middle school, high school and divorce. When the day came where I had to say good bye to my best friend I felt a huge part of me go with her. You never really understand how much of an impact your dog has on your life until they are gone. Suddenly I found myself without that shoulder to cry on. The empty space on my bed was cold.

I have been through a lot of loss in my life but nothing has hurt quite like losing my best friend. Its a different kind of sadness that's also emptiness. I know I will never find a dog to replace my Sammy, but I hope to find a dog almost as good as her because it is impossible to be just as good as she was. A dogs purpose is to make your life a little bit easier. They support you with unconditional love and attention. A dog is really a mans best friend. Loosing your best friend is one of the hardest things you will go through. So, love your dogs and treat them like your best friend because you never know how much time you have left with them.