Hey There Sweet Puppy,

It’s no secret that I’m having a really hard time lately. There’s been some uncertainty about the health of people in my family that I care about. The fact that I am a college senior, all the trappings that come with that have been stressing me out. The fact that I will soon have to enter a future for which I feel that I am unprepared. I have no idea how I’m going to get the things I want out of life.

The Menace which is known as a thought spiral, explain to me often even when I’m trying to sleep. When I woke up this morning from a restless sleep, I saw you resting there on my bed wagging your tail. You always greet me in the morning ready to give me cuddles. When you begin to wag your tail I know you’re excited about something, even if it’s just the fact that there’s a squirrel in the yard. You make me feel happy right along with you.

You have a big bark makes me feel safe when I’m home alone at night. When your humans are sick, you cuddle us and make us feel better. That loving gaze just says “I’m here and I’ll protect.”

I’m ashamed to admit that the idea of adding a member to our family upset me when we first brought you home. Harlow is getting older. Her afternoon naps are getting longer, and her once beautiful red fur is turning is white. You keep Link on her toes by playing tug of war and keep away to keep her active. I’m so glad that because of you Harlow is not falling victim to the effects of old age.

But I didn’t take long for you to win me over. We cuddled and I rubbed your belly, the warmth of your big brown eyes stole my heart.

I couldn’t imagine my life without you now. Thank you for making my family whole. Because of you, my family and I are stronger, happier, and thriving.

Thank you again for all you have done to enrich our family.

You are the answer; the life preserver our family didn’t even know it needed.

I love you,

Keely