When we are younger and we are asked what love is, we respond by saying "it is when my mommy tucks me in" or when "my daddy plays with me". While that is how we would explain love to someone who asked, when is the first time we experienced love? When was the first time we actually loved something? Not under family obligation but just because we loved it. The first thing that taught many of us to love were our pets. This is an open letter to my dog:

I woke up Christmas morning, with all the excitement a six year old could handle. Little did I know, Santa had brought me so much more than I could have ever asked for: he brought me you. The perfect little white puppy was waiting for me, with a bow around his neck, and from that moment on, you were my best friend. You went everywhere with me: show-and-tells, soccer practices, anywhere and everywhere, you were there with me.

While teaching you how to sit and lay down, you taught me patience. While potty training you, I learned that I cannot control everything in life. In teaching you fetch and how to play, you taught me how to enjo y the simple things in life and how to love.

Throughout the years, I grew up and somewhere in the mess of life, I forgot you were growing older too. I got so wrapped up in life, I forgot to appreciate how much you have taught me, and how much of my life you have been apart of. The best and worst parts of my life, no matter who left, you remained constant. My highs and my lows, you loved me the same no matter what. I remember your first birthday where we through you a party. Decorated the house, and even got you a birthday cake. That seems just like yesterday, but somehow, it has been fifteen years.

This last year, your eyesight has gone, your hearing is shot. Walking is a little bit harder and have to be carrie to bed at night. Every time I get a call from my parents, I expect it to be the one telling me that the greatest friend I have ever had, the longest friendship I've ever known, is over.

So before you go, before that friendship is brought to a close over something we cannot control, I had to say thank you. Thank you for teaching me so many important life lessons, for teaching me about responsibility, selflessness, and love. It is hard to imagine my life without you because the only life I know has you in it.

Thank you for the 15 years and I am thankful for every day I have left with you.