My Dearest Caly,

It's been a long 5 months now. Even coming to terms enough to write this is proving to be very difficult for me. I'll just get right to it; I miss you, a lot. You were my dog, my bear, my Calypso, my Cow, my girl. I've recovered from heartbreak and friendship losses in these five months, but this has still been the most difficult thing to recover from.

I remember when I first saw you. It was on the breeders' website, and you were a cute little newborn puppy; you had a blue heart on your side. You were so precious. I watched the website every day, and I told my parents about you. I was little then, just a child. When I found out that you were sold, I was really upset that I wouldn't be your owner. It was around then that my parents surprised me and said that they had bought you and I was so excited.

We decided to name you Calypso for multiple reasons. The first being that we all loved the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. The second being for your blue skin that reminded us of the sea. The third was that when we picked up our first dog, Cole, I wore a shirt that had the word "Cali" on it. We figured that "Caly" could be a good nickname for you, and so it was.

We picked you up when you were a very young pup at... a truck stop, a Love's truck stop in the highlands of Virginia. So classy, I know, but it was still the best day of my life. You had to get a shot, and you had never stood on grass before, but you were so precious and small and I held you the entire car ride home.

I gave you some french fries and your love from food skyrocketed from there. You grew into a loving, protective girl. I took you to Home Depot and pushed you around in a cart, I gave you food all the time, we went on walks, we played, and we chillaxed on the couch a lot. You were born with so much love that you couldn't keep it all inside of you.

All was so great, except for when you got sick the first time. I was so scared I was going to lose you, but you were strong and survived. You had to go on lifetime medications for that sickness, but you were there by my side, and that's all I could ever ask of you.

You helped me through the most difficult time of my life, and were a friend to me when I had absolutely none. You were my first sister before I even had a sorority. You slept beside me at night and hogged the covers. It's like you were my angel.

When I finally was about to move to college, I began to miss you before I had even left. I knew I was ready to be on my own, but I was scared, nonetheless. I was scared you'd get sick again, or that I'd never see your face one more time.

Well, I did see your face, but that was after you got sick in September. It was September 25th; I got a call from my parents on the 24th. They were coming to pick me up so I could see you that day.I skipped my Biology lecture and lab that day, and I went home early in the morning.

I saw you at the veterinarian's office, and you were tired and sickly. You weren't my peppy, loud, ankle-biting dog. You were tired and I knew what was going to happen. I sat with you, and cuddled you in your favorite blanket. It was difficult for us both, but I had to do what was right for you.

My dad said to me, "Look at her, she's ready to sleep." I held you tight and thanked you for spending your life with me. When I went back home, I felt something pinch my ankle. I'm assuming that was you somehow letting me know with your most infamous attack move that you were still with me.

There isn't a day that passes that I don't miss you. Going home for breaks isn't the same because you aren't there to greet me. I loved you so much. You may live in my heart and memories, but I still miss your sweet face. I love you to the sun and beyond. I hope I will see you again.

Much love,

Grace

P.S. I decided to make a little "shrine" for you.