My friend:You were a love, a companion, a confidante, a fixture. You were loyal, loving, funny and fearless. We don't know how we're going to continue without you. Our lives are instantly and forever changed. We wander through the house, reminded of you at every turn. We try to fill the time that we used to devote to your care. Now you're gone, and we have more time. But I don't really want it.
But I didn't want you to suffer for a moment. That was always our deal. I know you were tired. I know you were uncomfortable. I know you were frustrated that you couldn't run and jump and move like you used to. Did you feel trapped in your body? Were you fighting on because you knew we couldn't bear to lose you? Or were you still happy to be here? I wish I knew.
I wish I knew for sure that we did right by you; that we gave you the life you so deserved: did you have enough fun? Enough adventure? Did we take you on enough hikes and walks? There could never be too many walks. Did you have enough lake wading, and tennis ball chasing, and hanging out in the backyard with your sister, warning every pedestrian not to enter or else? Were there enough lazy summer afternoons napping on the porch? Did you like your food? How about your vet? We think she's amazing. . . did you?
I'm thankful that we have been able to bring you to work with us for the past few years. I have so enjoyed that time with you. You loved it too, right? You would run to the car in the morning, ready to go to work. Especially on Mondays. Leave it to a dog to love Mondays like you did.
You provided us so many years of laughter. You were such a funny guy. You used to just sit and stare at me with so much love on your face. I thank you for that. I thank you for the love, the protection, the loyalty, the perseverance, the fighting spirit, the life lessons, the companionship, the pure enjoyment of your personality, the gentle giant that you were. Your spirit shone through and touched so many of us. Everyone adored you. Everyone misses you. Most of all I miss you.
You came into our lives in a big way: physically, you took up a lot of space and your personality filled the house. You howled at police sirens. You hid in the bathtub during thunderstorms. You crashed through the screen door when you wanted to go outside. You turned and left the room whenever we tried to take your picture. Your presence was not to be unnoticed.
You left us as gently as a breeze. I will always remember you. I will always miss you. And I will always, always love you with all my heart.
Good-bye my friend.
