Dear Mickey,

I know you're getting older, so I wanted to express what you mean to me while we're still together. So let me begin where it all started. I remember when Mom, Dad, Ryan and I first saw you in the breeders kennels. All the Westies were clawing at their cage doors being loud; however, you were snuggled in the corner of your cage acting a little scared. That is the moment I knew you were perfect for me, because, as you know, I'm a relatively quiet person at first too.

This soon changed, we took you home and got you acquainted with the house and other pets, and you became quite loud. That's OK though, I loved you even more because you taught me it's OK to be loud and crazy once you're comfortable with others.

To this day, I still get out your old pictures from when you were a puppy and admire how much you've grown. By the way, you have somehow manage to stay just as cute if not cuter, and you probably know that because sometimes I show you the pictures too.

I remember the time you almost died when you were 2. You had swallowed something the size of a golfball and hadn't eaten for two weeks, so we finally took you to the vet. They told us if we hadn't taken you that day you probably would've died the next day. I don't know if you know this, but that scared me so much that I went home and cried tears of happiness that you were going to live. I, however, still couldn't sleep for a few days and nights.

Thank you for being strong for your family when loved ones have passed away and making us laugh by shoving your head into your bed and going crazy. We know you miss them as well, but to me, it shows just how much you'd rather have us be happy than sad.

I'm grateful for every time you've rushed up the stairs, making sure I'm OK or just to spend time with me. It makes me feel so much better having you to come home to after a full day of work or school when I come home for breaks.

I'm sorry for all the times I've put peanut butter on your nose making you lick constantly to get it off but thank you for humoring me.

We love you, Mickey!

Thank you for 12 great years, and here's to many more!