Dogs are the best of friends and are loyal until the end, I can speak from experience with my last dog. I shared 15 years with my last dog and he was the only dog I grew up with so, when he passed it took a toll on me as well as my family. After this tragedy occurs, then comes the big debate about whether or not to look into getting a new puppy. It took some convincing but, ultimately a new puppy was what we needed in order to bring happiness, that only dogs can bring, back into our life. We were very fortunate with our pick and ended up with a puppy that stole my heart.

To my new puppy,

You came at the perfect time, just when our hearts were slowly beginning to heal from the loss of our last dog. You were the exact distraction we needed in order to move on and learn to love a new furry friend again. Your spunky attitude that allows you to run throughout the house now fills what once was silence. Your presence has brought this house back to life.

Our last dog experienced the unfairness life has to offer and was diagnosed with a tumor that soon made carrying out even the simplest of tasks difficult. He was a little dog but carried himself as fierce. We were able to have 15 great years with him, which made saying goodbye even harder.

However, as they say, time does tend to heal, and once we saw you, we knew we had to have you. The day we picked you up, you latched on to me as if giving a hug, and that’s when I knew you won my heart. Your little black stature with white on your chin is what I look forward to seeing in the morning. The way you wiggle in your crate with excitement, hug like a little bear, and pretend you’re being innocent and giving kisses and then actually bite, are all things that make you unique.

Honestly, having lost my first dog, it made me question if I could picture myself having another dog in the future. Luckily that thought passed because I could not picture a life without you. You have a bold attitude that fits in perfectly with our family. You love being independent and it’s been so enjoyable watching you grow into the loyal puppy you are now.

I see a lot of our old dog in you. The way you carry yourself to be fierce even though you are much smaller than every other dog and the way you love unconditionally. Also the way you run down the street through every neighbors yard so now they know your name just like the way they knew our old dog.

Even though you can be quite the terror sometimes and make me question ripping out my hair, you ultimately make my heart whole. Even though you ask to go out six times in a row just to lay in the grass, bark very loudly at 8 a.m., beg like you’ve never been fed, and occasionally chew on my shoes…I still love you.

You’re the greatest company and somehow make life feel easier. I know after a long day, you will always be constant and ready to meet me on the couch for some kisses and snuggling and more likely than not, a bite to top it off. You’re something special and even though you are little, you have made a giant impact on this family. You were able to bring our fears to a stop and showed us how to reopen our hearts in order to let you in. It’s only been a few months together and you already have brought me so much happiness.

Here’s to many more years together my little buddy.