To my puppy.

Obviously, you were more than just a dog to me. Pets have a funny way of making us embarrassed of the way we act around them, yet we wouldn't change it for the world.

I just got the news, and it still hasn't quite hit me yet, but it hurts that I wasn't there to be with you those last few moments. So I wanted to just tell you a few things that I would have told you if I had had a chance to see you one last time.

First of all, thank you for being there when I lost my first puppy. You didn't understand when your playmate for the past ten years left for the last time, not to return. You didn't know why we were crying, but you continued to love on us in that time and the times since then when we've needed you most.

Thank you for sitting with Mom when she didn't feel well. Whether I was away at college, or even in town but away from home, if I would call Mom asking how she was doing, without fail you would be cuddled up right next to her on the couch. You would faithfully lay there all day without flinching until she felt better.

I don't know how you knew, but you always knew when she wasn't feeling good, and you showed a faithfulness and love that I honestly strive to show as well as you did.

Thank you for letting me dress you up in ridiculous Christmas costumes. I'm sure your favorite part of the day wasn't wearing a cheesy Christmas shirt or a reindeer sweater, but you took it like a trooper and you looked very cute. It was worth it.

Thanks for being so cute that Dad did a complete 360 on his strict "no-dogs-in-the-house" policy. I've felt much safer knowing you would bark at any who dare trespass. Thanks for not peeing in the house (too often.) I'm also going to miss the familiar plopping up the stairs at bedtime -- whether it's bedtime for anyone else or not. (You had a better routine than I do.)

Thank you for not eating the other dog. Your brother's favorite activity was biting your tail, biting your butt, biting your ears, and wanting to play when you really just wanted to sleep. Sometimes I truly wondered if you would just lose it one day. But you didn't. You showed patience, and even though most of the time your face said, "Why did we need another one?" you still loved him. Or at least learned to tolerate him. One of the two.

Thank you for being so gentle. For letting us pick you up and hold you like a small child and put you in a wagon and a back seat and for taking it all in stride.

I didn't expect you to be gone so soon. I may not really feel it till I make it back home and walk by your bed, by your old dog bowl, by the stairs we got so you could make it on the bed easier. I really do thank God for dogs, and especially for such a good boy. Who knew you could pack so much cuteness, funniness, and love in 20 or 30 pounds.

I'll try to keep the (not so) little one in line. I'll randomly stare at inanimate objects for you. I'll show Mom and Dad extra love for you. You'll always be my puppy. I love you and I'll miss you.