I remember the day I got you five years ago. You were so cute – the perfect amount of fluffy and chubby. I had wanted my own puppy from the moment I got my own place and I couldn’t have gotten a better best friend. We’ve been through a lot together and here are some things I want you to know:

You enhance my life every day.

Every day you do something that makes me smile. Whether that be chasing your tail, coming to me for cuddles or running around the house like a wild banshee, you make me smile every day.

You taught me a lot about responsibility.

I always had pets growing up, but I was never the sole caretaker. Your puppy years – those were rough. I went through a lot of phone chargers, paper towels and carpet cleaner. I remember the first time you got sick and I was terrified. There were plenty of times I had to choose you over me and it helped me mature.

I will never abandon you.

There is no circumstance or anything you could do that would ever make me give you up. You are in your forever home and I will always make sure you stay right by my side where you belong.

Your needs will always come before my own.

I will always make sure you have what you need before I do. That is a promise I made when I chose to bring you into my life.

I will never leave you in a hot car.

There is no reason why I would ever need to bring you with me if you can’t come inside too. I promise to never ever leave you in the car – even on a 60-degree day.

I will never give you another bath ever again.

Just kidding. Sometimes you stink and you need a bath. But I promise to always spoil you with treats after.

Talking to you makes me feel better.

Yes, I know you do not understand what I am saying, but you know my mood. When I cry you come up, lick my tears and cuddle. If I’m happy you get excited with me. You have no idea how much that fills my heart.

You will always have a spot in the bed.

This is a given. I will always let you sleep with me – although I don’t know who enjoys it more, you or me.

I worry about how much time we have left.

I know I shouldn’t think about it and I should just enjoy the time we do have, but it’s just plain unfair that we can’t grow old together.

I will still love you when you’re old and gray.

I will still love you just the same when you are old and gray, because you will always be my baby. And I promise to be there with you on the day that you do cross that rainbow bridge.

Zorro, you are my best friend, my confidante and one of the biggest spaces in my heart. I couldn’t imagine my life without you.