There’s a reason “what was the name of your childhood pet?” is a security backup question for most websites. Your childhood pet is wasn’t just a dog or cat, they were your best friend. At least that was the case for me.
For my brothers 10th birthday (in 2004), he got a pet golden retriever named Buddy. Buddy quickly became the favorite child, and for good reason. He was loyal, compassionate, well behaved, lovable and gosh darn it, he was the cutest stinkin' thing ever. Buddy was a crucial part of our family. He appeared in many of our Christmas cards. He was cared about and loved like another member of the family. We loved him so much.
Friends and family were genuinely upset when they found out he was sick. This summer while I was away at camp, 12-year-old Buddy passed away from cancer. When I found out, I cried more than I'd like to admit. For those of you who have experienced the love and happiness that a childhood pet brings, I’m sure you understand where I’m coming from. He wasn't just a dog. He was a constant in my life for 12 years. I'd like to think that other people share the same bond with their pets, so here's my thoughts written out about my childhood best friend.
Dearest friend,
Thank you.
Thank you for always listening to my problems. You may not have had any idea what I was saying to you half the time, but you always stuck around to hear me out. I knew you couldn't speak back, but your eyes never showed a hint of judgement. I knew I can rant to you about anything and everything. You'd stick around no matter what I was gabbing on and on about as long as I was scratching your belly.
Thank you for making my family closer. You always kept us on our toes, and if we ever ran out of things to say, your name always got brought up. Ever since December 2, 2004, you were a blessing to our family. In stressful times, you provided comic relief. In sad times, you were always there to console us. In happy times, you jumped for joy with us. You always greeted us with a wagging tail with a toy in your mouth, and you wouldn't leave us alone until we patted you on the head at least once.
Thank you for making my friends feel at home when they came to my house. I don’t think you’ve ever met a stranger. I'm pretty sure most of my friends liked you more than me. I mean, honestly why wouldn't they, you always made them feel so welcome. You walked them to their car when they left late at night, you offered a belly to scratch when we were studying for a hard test and you were always down for a good game of fetch. It's almost like you had to be liked by everyone, and let me assure you, you accomplished that goal.
Thank you for being so photogenic. My Instagram won't be the same without you. It honestly didn't matter if you were covered in mud or recently groomed, you were the most beautiful thing to me (and all of my followers.) Maybe it was your crooked teeth. Maybe it was your willingness to dress up with me with little to no fight. Maybe it was your peppered snout. Maybe it was your loving eyes. Whatever it was, you always looked better than me, and that was slightly annoying because it always took me longer to get ready. You knew you were cute, too. You would always pop into pictures for important events, which was okay because you make the picture look so much better.
Thank you for the memories. Most of my favorite memories involve you. Whether it was Christmases, Thanksgivings, birthdays, dances, dates, backyard football games, house changes, game nights, or even trick or treating, you were always there. Thank you for being my best friend. You've been there for me through it all.
Whether I had just won the biggest game or embarrassed myself in front of everyone I knew, you were always there and you always loved me through it. You were there for the awkwardness that was my first middle school dance, and through the happy anxious tears the morning I left for college. You wagged your tail in approval when I got braces (thank you for the positive feedback - it was needed), and you gave me a look of concern when I pulled out of the driveway by myself for the first time after getting my drivers license. You made sure I never took a walk by myself, and you always welcomed me back home no matter how long I had been away. Sure, I looked forward to coming home from college to get a hug from Mom and Dad, but getting a greeting by you at my car as soon as I pulled into the driveway will forever be one of my favorite things. You might have just been a dog, but you meant the world to me.
Have fun in doggie heaven.
