I remember the first time I saw you with your tiny paws, your bright curious eyes, and the way you looked at me like I was already yours. I didn't choose you. You chose me. And from that moment, my life became better, richer, and more whole.

One of my favorite memories is when I took you to the pet store to pick out a new bed. I held up two dog beds, not really thinking you'd react, and asked, "Which one do you want, Buddy?" You walked right up and touched one with your nose. You chose it. That was the bed you'd go on to spend countless naps in, and in the end it was the bed that held you after you left this world. It was yours from beginning to end.

Of all the toys in the world, your favorite was a squeaky little stuffed duck. You carried it around with you, guarded it like treasure, and squeaked it at just the right time when I needed to smile. When I picked up your ashes, I placed that little toy next to your ashes. It belonged with you. It always will.

You loved car rides. Not for the destination, but for the time together. You'd curl up in the backseat in your little bed and just be present, calm and content, watching the world go by. After I picked up your ashes, I placed you back in that seat, in the very bed you loved, with your watermelon slice toy beside you. It was our last ride together, and I cried the whole way home.

Every night, you curled up in your bed beside mine. When you couldn't jump up anymore, I made sure your bed was next to mine so you wouldn't feel alone. You always had to be near me, and I always wanted you close. Even now, your bed remains beside mine.

Since you've been gone, you've sent me signs. I ask for them, and you answer. The wind blows softly on my face seconds after I ask, and I know it's you. It's not just wishful thinking. It's your way of saying, "I'm still here. I hear you. I love you." And I hold onto those moments like lifelines.

Despite everything you were battling from pancreatitis, a gallbladder mucocele, a heart murmur, liver inflammation; you held on with more strength than I knew one could have. You didn't complain. You didn't give up. You just kept loving. You were so strong, and you were mine.

The night before you passed, I didn't know it would be the last. I was overwhelmed, scared, trying to help you feel comfortable, but I know I raised my voice to ensure you could hear me with your hearing loss. I've struggled with that guilt every moment since. But you never held it against me. Even in those final hours, you knew my heart. You loved me anyway. Maybe you understood more than I did. Maybe that was your way of already saying goodbye.

In your last moments, you wrapped your arms around my neck and nuzzled your head into my shoulder. It was the most heart-shattering and beautiful goodbye. You weren't afraid. You weren't in pain. You were saying thank you. Saying I love you. Saying goodbye. And I will carry that hug with me for the rest of my life.

Whenever I cried, you were right there. You'd lick the tears off my cheeks and rest your head on my chest. You never looked away from my pain. You met it. You held it. And you made it lighter just by being near.

I miss your paws tapping on the floor, the jingle of your collar, the way you'd look at me when you were asking for a bite of food you knew you couldn't have. I miss the way you followed me from room to room, like my little shadow. I miss your warmth next to me when I fell asleep. I miss you.

Each of your beds, you had so many and you loved them all equally. I ensured that I made each comfortable, warm, and filled with your favorite things. They are your little memorials now. I sit beside them when I need to feel you near.

You taught me how to love harder, how to slow down, how to show up for someone no matter what. You taught me about selflessness, resilience, and how to say goodbye with grace. You taught me what it means to truly give your whole heart to another being.

While you may be physically gone, you are still everything. Still the heartbeat in my chest. Still the warmth in the wind. Still the memory in every quiet moment when I pause and feel you near. I will never stop loving you. I will never stop needing you. And I will never stop carrying you with me.

One day, I will cross that bridge. And when I do, I can not wait to see you running. I can not wait until you jump into my arms like you always used to, with your tail wagging and your eyes full of light. Until that day comes, I will live in a way that honors you with kindness, with love, and with the deep understanding of what it means to be loved unconditionally.

You are my best friend.

My baby.

My family.

My Buddy.

And always will be.