As I sat in the examination room with my parents and my beautiful boxer, Mango, sharing our final moment with her, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible eleven years that we were fortunate enough to spend with her.

One day, when I was eight years old, my parents announced that my childhood dream was finally coming true. We were getting a dog. After spending most of the day scouting our local animal shelters, we were getting ready to call it day. Just as we were leaving, my mom spotted a rather perky boxer. When we went to check her out, she started wagging her stubby tail and stuck her slobbery tongue out to lick us.

When I looked into her eyes, I knew that it was meant to be. While we stumbled upon the perfect dog, a woman beat us to her. Still hopeful, we wrote down the information on her cage. Fortunately for us, the woman didn't take her, and Sasha (who we immediately renamed Mango after the popular fruit) became the new addition to the Pollifrone family.

Growing up as an only child, while it had its perks, tended to be a little lonely at times. While my parents spent as much time as they could with me, it was nice to have a four-legged friend to hang out with. As more time went on, we became nearly inseparable. I couldn't wait to get home from school to give her plenty of kisses and belly rubs.

In middle school, jumping onto the YouTube craze, I would make videos of Mango, which I appropriately titled, "The Mango Show." These videos depicted Mango staring into the camera while I told insanely cheesy jokes (it even featured a laugh track). One of her best qualities was her patience, and I can't thank her enough for it.

The most crucial point of my life where I needed Mango was during my high school years. Dealing with stress and instances of depression is never easy, but Mango soothed me. She was always there for me, allowing me to hug her for as long as I needed, and licked away the dripping tears on my face. Even though Mango couldn't speak words, she was a fantastic communicator and seemed to sense how I was feeling.

Mango was also quite vocal when it came to receiving attention and being fed. If she felt like she wasn't getting petted enough, or wanted a treat, she would let out a growl that sounded like Chewbacca from "Star Wars."

My parents and I also placed a great importance on her birthdays. While it surely isn't the healthiest thing to give a dog (or any living thing for that matter), we would give her a Twinkie with a candle on it every year. She would devour them and "open" her gifts. The best gift I ever gave her was a braided monkey toy that she has slept with ever since.

Saying goodbye to her was one of the toughest experiences of my life, but I'm thankful that her passing was as peaceful as possible. I couldn't have asked for a better friend and sister. Rest in peace, Mango.

Every year, millions of wonderful dogs like Mango are euthanized at animal shelters. If you're looking to welcome a four-legged friend into your family, please check out your local shelters. There are amazing cats and dogs in need of a good home. Let's be the generation that empties animal shelters.