I know I typically speak to you in some form of over-exaggerated baby talk, but today I want to be serious. It's time we had a real heart-to-heart about our relationship. Don't worry; I'm not breaking up with you. You're not in trouble. In fact, I'm celebrating you. Dog, you are my best friend and you are appreciated.

There are so many things I love about you: Your floppy ears, your cold, wet nose, your swiftly-wagging tail and your slobbery kisses. But these things could be said about any Spot, Max, or Scooby. What I love most about you is that you love me. When I walk in the door and hear your paws pad across the floor to greet me, I feel wanted and appreciated. When your sad, round eyes look up at me, I know you are looking up at your whole world. Even on days when I look in the mirror and can't find a single thing worthwhile about myself, you look at me with the same gaze that says, "You're the best person ever. My person."

Every morning, you rush to my side, depending on me for food and water. If it were not for you, some days I wouldn't even get out of bed. But someone needs me. You need me. You remind me that I mean something -- everything -- to someone. When I'm otherwise too afraid to face the day, your unwavering desire to take on the world gives me strength and makes me feel less alone.

When we visited the pet store, the man down the aisle called you an "old dog." He wasn't wrong. You've been my dog for quite some time now. Thinking about how long you've been by my side and how, one day, I might not come home to the patter of paws makes me worried about the future. I don't know what life will be like once you are gone. But I do know I will never truly be without you. Dog, you are a part of me forever. When I wake up and want to stay in bed, I will remember the way you jumped on me, telling me that the day and its adventures await just outside the door. When I begin to think of myself as worthless, ugly and unlovable, I will remember the unconditional way you loved me and the seemingly infinite lovability you found in me.

Dog, I may have taught you to "sit" and "stay," but you have taught me that I am needed, that I, too, can love myself and, more than that, that I should especially love the ones we often take for granted.

Thank you.