Dear Scout,

I remember begging for you for two years. I remember the moment dad thought of your name. I remember when we went to go visit you and your brothers and sisters, and we picked you out of the bunch. I remember the day we finally got to go get you; you were so tiny. I was so excited but also so nervous. In the car ride, you cried the whole way home, and I was afraid to pick you up because I didn’t want to hurt you. Your crying made me want to cry, and I was nervous that you already weren’t happy to have us as your new family.

You have been like the little sibling I always wanted. I got to watch you grow up into the dog you are now. Through the stages of teething (which was terrible), the discipline classes (which was hard), teaching you to sleep at night on your own in your kennel (which was so sad), etc. Though most of these stages were hard, you grew up so quickly and you were not a puppy for long. You now know our house and family like the back of your paw, and you could not be more loved.

We joke about you being “the favorite child,” but let’s be honest, you most definitely are. To us, you aren’t our dog, you're a member of the family. You have your own bed, bench, toys, etc. You have your own stocking at Christmas and when we have waffles for dinner or hamburgers, you get your own personal meal as well. You get just as much attention if not more than anyone else in the house, and I want you to know that it may seem like you depend on us, but we all depend on you.

We depend on you to run to the door and greet us after a long day away from the house, we depend on you to snuggle with us on a rainy day, to go on a walk with us, to love us. To run around and make us laugh. To follow us around the house. You entertain us on a daily basis and I couldn’t thank you more for that.

They say a dog’s a man’s best friend. However, I’d like to think a dog is an additional member of a family. You know all my secrets and always listen to me. You give me kisses and I love you so much it’s ridiculous.

I know you don’t understand why I am not home right now. I am away at school and it confuses you. I come home randomly for a short time then leave again for a long time. I miss you more than you know. Anytime I have the privilege of seeing another dog, I think of you. I wish I could be sitting outside in the front yard with you right now, watching the world go by.

Anytime mom and dad tell me that you were in my room, or they found you sleeping on my bed, my heart melts. I could be bias, but I do believe you are the cutest dog in the whole world. Please know that I will be home soon and I am excited to see you. You are the best friend a girl could ask for. Thanks for loving me unconditionally, for listening to me, and for creating such happiness in our family. We all love you so much and you are my best friend. See you in a few months.

Love,

Clara