My Faithful Companion,

It feels like just yesterday that I brought you home. I remember you hiding in the back of your little carrier, afraid of what might await you outside the cage door. When I finally reached my lanky arm in to lure you out, I held a tiny ball of warm fluff in the palm of my hands. You were so innocent and timid, shying away until you knew that you could trust me. You got used to my daily routines and we even made our own together, like going for long joyrides or zipping you into my jacket to get the morning newspaper. You became my most trusted partner-in-crime.

You have always been there for whatever I needed. When I needed a laugh, you were there with your wagging tail, tongue hanging out, and jumping for joy. When I needed a cry, you were right there with a kiss and a gentle nuzzle. When I needed companionship, you were ready for whatever, whether it came to getting ice cream or a long walk in the park. You always seem to know exactly what I need, exactly when I need it. There is no one else who I would rather spend time with.

You know that I love you, but we have not always gotten along. There was that time when you were young and you bit my face. However, you did not know better and I should have known better than to pull on your tail. There was also that time when I left you alone for one second and you had that accident on my bed. However, I should have known that you needed a walk. We simply miscommunicated. I know that I seemed mad, but there is nothing that you could ever do to make me like you any less.

When I took you home, I had thought that I wanted a dog. What I got was a best friend. You have taught me to be responsible and how to care for another life. You have taught me to smile because life is too short to dwell on imperfections. Most importantly, you have taught me what it is like to love another living creature unconditionally and without bounds. Just when I think that it is impossible to become any more obsessed with you, I find my adoration for you growing the next day.

I know the saying goes, "For you they are part of your life, for them you are all of it," but for me that could not be further from the truth. You have touched my heart in a way I had not thought to be possible. To me, you are the world. I know that you are not the same puppy who you once were. I also know that someday, eventually, our time together will run out. For what it's worth, I will devote everything I have to making the time that you do have on this earth into the best life possible. You are my best friend in this world and I love you.

Always,

Your Trusted Owner