I remember the day I brought you home. You were sitting under the animal shelter table at the FFA car show and you had the sweetest face. I immediately came up to you and began to interact with your personality which was very infectious. I took you for multiple walks after the lady at the table said it was okay and I was the proudest dog walker that there ever was. When I brought you back, the woman said it was so sad to see you go. I obviously asked why she said that and with deep regret she told me that if she couldn't find a home soon, you would be euthanized. Choking back the instant tears I asked how much your adoption was and she said, "Fifty dollars, which includes her tagging and a voucher to get her fixed when she is settled." I reached into my pockets quietly wishing that a fifty dollar bill would appear but all that was there was a crumpled up ten dollar bill and my driver's license. "Thank you for letting me get to know her. I wish I could take her home with me," I said to the woman. She smiled and looked at me with sad eyes and replied, "Me too, sweetheart." I bent down and hugged you, said I was sorry, and walked away.

Hours passed and I continuously checked the table to see if you were still there, and you were. I approached the lady once more and asked if I could take you on one more walk before I went home, and she gladly agreed. When we returned, the lady looked at me and said, "You two were made for each other. If you stop by the shelter Monday morning to pick up the voucher, I will gladly send her home with you for free if it's okay with your mom and dad." I couldn't believe it. I faked a call home and there we were driving back to the house; mom and dad had no idea you were going to be staying for good. I opened the door and out you flew. Mom was sitting on the porch and her face was priceless. She took one look at me, one look at you, shook her head smiling and said, "Let's hope your dad says okay. What is her name?" I sat down next to you, patted your sweet face and said, "Lou." Dad eventually came home and was halfway impressed with my rescue attempt. He said you could stay as long as I kept you outside (we both knew you would be in the house within the year). You were there for every big event: prom, breakups, signing my scholarship, and graduation; when granny died you slept extra close to me and even thought that you could lick away every tear.

Moving away to school was the hardest thing to do because that meant I had to leave you too. I cried and gave you a big hug and told you that I would be home soon. Every time I called mom and dad I asked them to put me on speaker so I could talk to you. Silly, I know. But hearing you bark and whine made it a little easier. I got weekly photos, videos, and we even got to Skype for a few minutes. Now that I am closer to home, all it takes is a small drive and we are reunited again. I wish I could express to you how much you have influenced my life, and how much love you have given me over the past five years. Your life may be shorter than mine, but the impact you've had will last me forever. I can't thank the stars and sun enough for bringing you and I together. Thank you for loving me just as I am, for keeping the bed warm, and for being my best friend. I'll see you next Sunday, Lou.