Gatsby joined my life 11 years ago when I was just a college Sophomore. I was having a rough time at school adjusting, didn't have many close friends, and I decided to buy a puppy to get a little company. I didn't know at the time he would change my life forever. Gatsby came all the way from the Midwest to NYC-where I grew up by plane. He was so tiny his bark was more of a squeak at the time, and he was just a small ball of red and black fuzz and could fit in the palm of your hand.

Although he came as a shock to the rest of my family, we were animal people, so instantly he was accepted. When my school and studies became too overwhelming he had to go stay at my family's home in the city. He wasn't too keen on being away from me as he had spent every waking moment with me, tucked inside my jacket asleep during most of my college classes. He got his college degree early on. But what wound up happening is that Gatsby started to go to work with my Mom, who is a therapist. She deals with all kinds of patients and people struggling with various things in their life.

The funny thing was, Gatsby took to going to work everyday like a pro. He knew exactly when the 45 minute sessions were up and would crawl out from his bed under the desk and go sit with the client to let them know their session was over. Over the years my mom shared countless stories of how Gatsby would go over to a crying patient and offer his paw, or sit by them when they were hurt or angry, he would let them pet him and many times got them to smile.

Gatsby loved his job, he would get so depressed when my Mom wouldn't bring him to the office on the days she didn't have enough breaks to walk him so he would stay home with the rest of the family. He had purpose, and you could tell what he loved most was helping people. He helped his family too.

I grew up with Gatsby, I was only a teenager when I got him and now I am a grown woman. Our family members each has a special relationship. To my sister, Julie, he was like a little brother. To me, he was my baby, my cuddle bump, and my company when I would sit and paint (I'm an artist). To my dad, he was his guy, the only other boy in the house and he doted on him and gave him his walks and medicine. To my mom, it was her son-her familiar-he worked with her for 7 years straight before she started leaving him home a couple years ago.

Gatsby was special. I don't have any bad memories of him. Everytime I saw him he brought a smile to my face. He was loyal, empathetic, joyful, purposeful and sometimes stubborn in a thoroughly endearing way. Gatsby raised me as much as I raised him, he was always there with a good cuddle or a lick. I felt so blessed that he shared his entire life with me, my family, and his clients.

May he rest in peace and may he be a guardian angel puppy looking after me and my family until I join him.

I love you my good boy, my sweet monkey dog.