I had just moved into my first place by myself without any roommates, just ended a relationship, started a new job, and my first semester of graduate school. A puppy was the last thing I needed to add to my life at the moment. After losing my last puppy to a breakup, I knew I’d want one eventually I just didn’t expect to get one so soon.

Sometimes, though, the most unexpected things end up being the greatest.

Dear Bailey,

I rescued you when you were a 9-week-old little nugget. I chose you over your sister, a more timid version of yourself, which was very difficult, as I wanted you both. From the moment I drove away with you towards your new life, I instantly knew you were special. For the first time, I was solely responsible for something other than myself.

There are days I question you and your actions and wonder about things I’ll never understand. I’ll never understand why you go from window to window to simply growl at your reflection, sometimes letting a little puff of a bark escape you. I’ll never understand why you consistently get crazily excited every time someone you’ve seen a hundred times walks through the door. I’ll never understand your need to do a lap around the yard before you do your business. I’ll never understand a lot of things you do, but there are things you’ll never understand about me either.

You will never understand how much you mean to me and how much I love you. You will never hear me talk about you to anyone who will listen. You will never understand my frustration when I have no memory to take cute photos of you, to which you have no idea how many people I've shown them to. You will never see the school projects I've included you in, hear conversations I've centered on you, or feel my worry when I'm not with you.

In these last seven months, you have brought more joy, frustration, responsibility, and love than I could have ever prepared myself for. You are always there for me, happy to see me, and always needing me. You are so special to me I don’t know what I would do without you.

Thank you for not complaining when I’m too sick to get out of bed. Thank you for lying in bed with me until I decide it’s time to get up. When I’m sad, thank you for not telling me I'm being too sensitive but instead licking my tears away. Thank you for not judging me for not cleaning when I should or for wearing my pajamas all day.

Thank you for being you. No matter what is going on in my life, you always make it better.

No day is ever too terrible with you by my side.

Bai, you make me laugh and smile more than any person could or will. You have so much love in your tiny puppy heart not many people will get to experience. I have never doubted your love for me, I've never needed to, and I hope you never doubt mine for you.

I wish you knew how loved you are, not just by me but by everyone.

Even though I do not have roommates, I have you. I always have someone to come home to, someone I know will be excited to see me, and someone who will warm my heart the moment I get home. Sometimes I leave you alone for a few too many hours, and I'm sorry for that, but thank you for understanding and never getting mad. I can always count on coming home to kisses and hugs regardless the amount of time I was gone.

Bailey, you have made me the happiest dog owner ever. Despite the frustrations of ruined shoes, eaten homework, and chewed wires, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

You are the most loving, playful, and friendly dog and I couldn’t ask for anything else. Thank you for all the memories we have already made and for the ones we will make in the future. I love you more than I ever expected I could, and I don’t know what I’d do without you.

Love,
Your mom and fur-ever friend.

You never truly understand the love and bond between a dog and their owner until you have it yourself.