It was heartbreaking back in September when we decided my 13 ½ black lab had lived her life. Casey was brought into our family when I was in second grade, and she was wonderful. I had always wanted a dog, something I had never had before. She got to watch me grow up, and I got to watch her grow to an old age.

However, the once endless ball of energy couldn't run anymore. She had congestive heart failure, and was constantly coughing. We spent hundreds on medicine, hoping it would help, but it became obvious that they could no longer help.

I took my last photos with her and said my goodbyes before heading back to campus. While in class I constantly checked my watch, knowing when her appointment was. By the time class was over, she was gone. My family knew it would be some time before we would get another dog. Even as I write this, Casey is still in my profile picture. It’s like I’m still afraid to let her go. But we agreed that it was about time to welcome another dog into the family.

Just a week ago, we made a trip to Petco hoping to find a puppy. We didn’t know what we were looking for or what we wanted, but we knew it wouldn’t hurt to look. In a single moment, we fell in love with the most adorable face. We filled out the paperwork, and her foster mom pulled her from the cage and handed her to me. She was perfect. We named her Sophie, and she immediately became part of the family.

Every time I see a picture of Casey, I miss her so much. Nothing will ever replace her, but we did replace the hole left in our home. Losing a pet is like losing a family member. You turn around the corner and expect to see them, but they aren’t there.

Here’s to our pets. They’re there for you when you need them, just as you are there for them. Love who you have in your home, and love who you will one day welcome. My heart has welcomed Sophie just as it welcomed Casey. The transition to a new dog is tough, but it fills the heart and the home.