Every child dreams of getting a puppy. I was no different. I remember the joy in my heart when we brought you home to our house. You were so tiny, but then again, so was I. We were two kids just happy to play together. Sure, I was a human and you were a canine, but did that really matter? We were inseparable from the start.

As the years went by, you never seemed to age at all. You would still run around the dining room like you were that same puppy we brought home. Through every trial and tribulation of my awkward stage and teenage years, I know I could find you curled up in your favorite spot in front of the fireplace. I was so busy as a teenager; I wish I had stopped more often to look down and pet you.

When I went away to college, you were the last one I said goodbye to. I remember leaning down and giving you a soft pat on the head. You still did not look any less youthful to me, although you were an old man by now. I guess it is true that when you grow up together, nothing seems to change although everything is different. I sat down next to you and you gave me a few goodbye kisses (slobbery, as usual) before I grabbed my last few things and headed out the door.

College has not been the easiest ride of my life. I think you were aware of that. Whenever I would come home, you would rush right to me. I started to notice that the years were taking their toll on you. You did not lose your spirit, but you seemed to walk a little slower, sleep a little longer and cuddle a little bit more (if that was possible).

When I came home this last time, I knew you could not hold on much longer. Your once running legs were brittle now. You did not sleep by our fireplace anymore, but rather in the bed we made you of pillows and blankets to keep you comfortable. I was going through a lot, too. It was comforting to wrap you in a blanket and hold you close to me through your last few days with us. I still remember the excitement of getting in our car to drive to bring you home, and I will never forget the last time I patted you. I never knew how much my heart could break until I said goodbye to you.

I know you are so happy now. I imagine that your version of Heaven is one big living room full of leftover pizza crust, the warmest fireplace you could imagine and lots of rabbits to bark at. I’m sure God never makes you take a bath because He knows how much you detest it. But, most of all, I know you will be waiting for me when I get there.