This past May, I lost one of my most beloved pets; her name was Tasha.

She was a beautiful Golden Retriever. I used to not be such a fan of pets and to be honest used to not like my dog Tasha. I thought she was feisty and just unenjoyable to be around. However, after 12 years, she grew up to be quite a treat, and I miss her dearly.

She was slowly dying of extreme bladder issues and was getting very weak. it then just started to become a problem after the other, up to the point of cancer, which is when we knew she was suffering and needed to be put to sleep.

The veterinarian was nice enough to come to the house so she can be with us before her final moments. We got her ice cream from Carvel but she did not want it. You could tell she was in pain.

Tasha said her final goodbyes to us and she was put to sleep. We were all upset. It didn't hit me yet though. I thought I would just see her the next day.

Days passed then it hit me that Tasha, my childhood dog, was gone. She would no longer be part of the family and part of our other three other dogs' lives. I think her partner in crime, our other golden retriever, Cream, was hit the most. They were side by side together growing up, especially when going for walks.

You never think that a dog truly becomes part of your life in such a deep way, but they really do. It's like a human but basically can't talk. You still have a connection with that human though; I had one with Tasha.

She was beautiful like I said and loved to go outside. She could stay outside for HOURS and loved to "tan." She loved her walks and was bossy. She would bark when she demanded to go out but was also very sweet when she needed love.

She was unlike the other dogs we have; she was patient, caring, and knew when to "tell you off" when she wanted to be alone. She enjoyed being petted like any other dog and loved getting attention. She enjoyed sleeping on my parent's bed and taking up almost half of it.

It's weird because when I call all of the dogs' names I sometimes still call her and wait for her to come. Then I realize she won't. I miss seeing her around the house, even when she is in a grumpy mood.

Tasha, you will always be with me. I'm sorry it wasn't as emotional for me to see you pass; I think I am still waiting for it to truly hit me, but I have realized now that you're truly gone.

I hope doggy heaven is treating you well. We miss you down here my beautiful girl.

I hope you made it over the rainbow bridge in peace. I love and miss you forever.

Rest In Peace, and forever in my heart <3

Molly Cohen