Burt,

It has barely been four months since the last time I saw you, and I still miss you every single day that passes. Even though I did not have you very long, we had a connection and you soon became my entire world. Even though we did not have a proper conversation, like I do with my human friends, and you did not quite understand everything that I would say to you, I still loved you very deeply. I told you everything that was going on in my life, big or small, you knew more about me then most of my friends would. You were there in many milestones of my life, new jobs, moving out of my parents house, coming back home, going to my therapist, you would eagerly sit at the door patiently waiting for me to arrive back home. You would lick my tears away when I felt alone, during a heartbreak you were there, when I was losing the people I loved you were there. Every time we went out, you would allow me to take pictures of you, every baseball game, every trip to downtown, the beach, and even just around the house, even though I could tell you were less impressed. Unfortunately, I lost you a few days before another milestone in my life, my 21st birthday. Taking you to our local vet to make the most hard decision I have ever had to make. As I sat on the cold floor with you while the vet and I spoke; she ensured me your window is closing, that this was the most humane decision. She first used a sedative allowing you to become comfortable, she left us alone until you were completely comfortable, a few minutes later you were gone; I lost my best friend to cancer. To this day, I never spoke about the last few words I spoke to you in our final goodbye; those last words are just for you and I. I never knew what it would feel like to walk around the house, and not have you underneath my feet, I miss the times I forced you to take selfies with me. Whenever I would eat, you would sit beside me drooling until I gave you a bite of your favorite foods. Something is changing though, Burt, I am finally ready to get another dog, but that only makes me miss you more. Slowly, things are becoming easier without you, apart of me feels as though I will be replacing you. Thing just do not seem fair to you, and with all the memories I have with you. You were my first true best friend, the first living thing thing that I learned to love unconditionally, and you were the first that I lost. August 3, 2019 was and still is one of the hardest days of my life, but you are no longer in pain anymore and I am finally coming to terms with your passing. I want you to know, no matter how many dogs I love in my lifetime, you were my first. For now, I hope that you're spending your days running through fields, and chasing as many tennis balls that you like. I have begun to believe that you are having the absolute best time up in doggy Heaven, and those thoughts warm my heart. Thank you for watching me grow, Burt. You will always hold a very special place in my heart. I'll see you again one day, Burt. I love you always.

Sincerely,

Your best friend.