Your existence means so much more to me than you know. It's silly how attached I have grown to you since the first time you were brought home in that cardboard box. You were originally a Christmas present for Dad, and I hope you remember the joy you brought him. You have brought so much happiness to everyone in our family. Visitors can’t help but love you, too.

You are big in size, but you're also big-hearted. So what if you stare at us when we have food– if it smells good to us I can’t imagine how good it smells to you. You are so innocent. Always waiting for us to pet you, speak to you, or even look your way. You are so kind, and you don’t even realize the security you bring us.

I’m sorry for getting upset when you bark at ridiculous things. I know in your eyes you are just trying to protect us. I am sorry when I lose my patience with you; I know you try your best to understand. Thank you for the loving and cuddles you give when you sense that we are upset. Thank you for your constant loyalty. You always do your best for us, so my promise to you is to love you unconditionally and always make you feel loved because you have done the same for me. I promise to let you live out every second of your life to the fullest—go ahead and chase that twelfth squirrel up the tree. I promise to always think of you when I am gone and to keep in mind that you are waiting for us to return. Your life revolves around us, so I promise to always be grateful for each second we have together. You really are my best friend.