I still remember the day we brought you home. I was but a wide-eyed child excited to have a new, precious little ball of fur in my life. Feeling you small body on my lap and you slept the entire ride home. It was that day I knew you'd be the most important thing to ever enter my life, but I was never fully prepared to lose you. I was never ready to say goodbye to the best friend I would ever have.

I would constantly dismiss the thought of the day I would come home to quiet. No barks of excitement. No jingling of your collar as you followed me around the house. No more cuddling with you after a long day. No more scratches on my door in the morning when I didn't wake up at an hour that pleased you. No more half hearted goodbyes. Just one permanent one.

I find myself missing the endless amounts of hair I thought I would never get out of my clothes. I miss chasing you around the yard when you decided you were having too much fun to go back inside. I miss having the smallest half of the bed, but never wanting to disturb your sleep.

There is not a day that goes by where I don't miss you, but there also isn't a moment that goes by where I am not thankful for you. Thankful for all the smiles you brought to my face after a long day. Thankful for the times you'd sit by my side as I cried over the heartbreak I never thought I'd get over. Thankful for the dinners we shared (whether I wanted to or not). Thankful for the endless, unconditional love you provided, and thankful for the constant light you brought to my life.

I never prepared a proper goodbye, even thought we all knew it'd come at some point. So here it is:

You were more than just a dog. More than just a pet. You were my best friend. The best friend I could ever ask for. You left a little paw print on my heart that will never fade.

Love you always.