Dear Puppers,

Thank you for being the most wonderful species the world has ever seen. You are cute, you are fluffy, and I appreciate when you lick my face. Your sloppy kisses and wiggly tails are nothing short of a blessing to humans.

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring—it was peace.” —Milan Kundera

You are exceptionally beautiful, intelligent and full of personality. Thank you for always being there when I need you. Every second we have together creates the happiest moments. Thank for you for the most amazing unconditional love a human will ever have.

Don’t get me wrong, I love all animals (even cats, please forgive me) but you never fail to brighten my day. I love your smiling faces, big sparkling eyes and the way you look in Christmas sweaters. I love you, and you love me back. The relationship we have will always outweigh one with another human. Your loyalty and patience is something I will always cherish.

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about little puppies." - Gene Hill

Speaking of patience, thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for waiting as I find your bag of doggie treats or when I have to run a few errands. Most importantly, thank you for doing things you don’t want to do. We humans do not want to force you to have your teeth brushed, tinkle outside when it’s raining, take your medication or even have a bath. But we strive for you to be a nice, healthy and squeaky clean pooch.

Whether you’re four pounds or forty pounds, you are the most ferocious ball of fluff out there. Yes, you are full of love and grace, but once that car alarm goes off or that sprinkler shoots out water, you are nothing short of fierce.

Thank you for sharing my food with me, even when it is involuntary. I’ll always buy extra food knowing that a four-legged friend may swiftly approach. I could never be angry at such an adorable face. But when you’re done with mine, please eat your own. Even though you’re worth it, dog food is expensive.

Lastly, thank you for being my friend. You make me laugh. You make me smile. You make me appreciate life. You have shown me how to love and what it is like to be loved. Thank you for always bringing everyone around you immense joy.

You help lower our blood pressure, guide the blind, alert us to emergencies, help find the missing, help solve crimes, comfort us when we are ill or sad, bless us with your beautiful energy and help us to stay active through walks and play. I can not think of a better species on Earth.