Dogs are man's best friend. There's no doubt about it. But my special, sweet pup, is more than my best friend. She's been with me for 10 years now, and has seen my ups and downs, and has always comforted me. So Vixen, this is for you.

When mom first brought you home, I couldn't believe it was real. I opened the car door, and there you were on her lap, just a bundle of nerves. I carried you in my arms and cried tears of joy, and didn't even care that you had begun to pee on me. That's how I knew we were going to be friends.

You spent your first night in the half-bathroom, behind a little baby gate. I kept hopping over the gate to check on you because you wouldn't stop crying. I think you cried through the whole night because you were so nervous to be in a new home.

I decided on naming you Vixen, because our other dachshund, Comet, already had a reindeer name, and it was so appropriate for you. You two were adorable together. The cutest little pair of reindeer dachshunds.

From then on, I raised you. You would go outside without a leash, take care of your business, and run right back up to the front door and wait for me to open it for you. Such a smart dog.

Years later, you'd have to change your entire life. We were moving to Tallahassee, and big things were going to happen. You'd leave the home you always knew to go live in a whole new world. It'd be the first time you would ride in a car for eight hours, and the first time you'd be somewhere new.

But you did it (with a little help from a magical pink pill)! You got accustomed to your new home and soon fell in love with it! You met new people and other dogs and learn to walk on a leash and wear a harness. You began to enjoy car rides, nature walks, and the colder weather.

Soon you became my emotional support animal since I was kind of a wreck being away from home. We flew together (our first plane ride!) and you kept me calm while you slept on my lap. You behaved so well and everyone on the flight said you were just the cutest thing.

You started going on daily car rides once I began dating Brandon. He's obsessed with you, can you blame him? His mom even got me a coffee mug that has a little dachshund and says "Vixen [hearts] Elisa" and it's adorable! You're so precious and everyone that meets you instantly loves you.

I can always make my family smile by sending them random pictures of you. You bring so much joy into everyone's life. Even when you get a little too excited and pee yourself, you're still the most wonderful dog I could ever ask for.

You're the one thing that can pick me up when I'm down. I can lay on the floor and I know you'll come and lay right next to me and send me your good vibes. You're my little healer, my little bubby, and I can't imagine life without you.

As the years go by and you get older, I know our time is limited. You're such an important part of my life, Vixen, and I know you don't understand that. You have been with me since I was nine years old, and you've watched me grow just as I have watched you. You feed off of my energy and know when I'm needing just a little extra love.

Vixen, you were the best birthday present a kid could ever ask for, and you're the best friend a girl could ever want. Thank you for the endless love you give me and all the laughs you provide me with. I love you bubby.