I can’t tell you enough how lucky I am to have you in my life. I love seeing your wiggly and energetic body waiting at the window when you hear my car pull up. You’re always the first one to greet me at the door when I come home, and you always try to cheer me up after a bad day. I know you don’t understand me when I complain about my job or school, but you always listen as if you do know.

Scooter, you have always played a huge role in our family. When we first moved into our new house, it was a very hard adjustment for all of us. But I want you to know that you’re the reason I felt safe every night in a house with broken locks and windows. You would stand guard at the window by the door and bark at everyone that walked by. No one was going to try to break into our house. You made sure of that.

I also want to thank you for being such a soldier when you got fleas and that horrible ear infection. It would make me sick to my stomach to have to watch you scratch yourself to death. The vet even said it was one of the worst skin conditions she had ever seen. We tried everything to help your skin from baths every day to pills that made you loopy. I know you hated it all, but you never complained.

It makes me happy that you love wearing that green and yellow shirt I got you with the hoodie. The vet said it actually helps protect your skin a lot! I love taking you on walks and watching people stare at the dog wearing a hoodie. You’re officially the fashion expert of the neighborhood. Michael thinks you look silly – but don’t listen to him.

I also want to tell you that I’m sorry for all the times I was running late to work and forgot to walk you. I’m also sorry that I don’t spend as much time as I used to with you because taking you on adventures with me was amazing. I know how much you love sticking your head out the window of my car and smelling all those new smells. I promise that next time I go to the drive-thru at Dunkin Donuts, I will bring you with me – since they always give you treats. And lastly, I’m sorry that sometimes I yell at you for being stinky. It's not your fault, it's actually mine.

Most of all, I want to tell you that I will always love you no matter how many times you have an accident in the house or destroy the trashcan in the kitchen. You are my best friend and have always shown me that unconditional love does exist. From the cuddles late at night to licking my tears from a breakup or stress, you have always been there for me. I also want you to know you’re not “just an animal,” you’re a somebody. Please don’t think you’re less than anyone else in our family because you’re a little furrier. I love you so much, Scootie.

Love,

Your Sister