I dedicate this story to my sweet companion Star, who went to ‘Doggy Heaven’ last week.

It was a rainy Friday night, and Lizzie cuddled up with me to watch the premiere of High School Musical. Although the movie was not as interesting as the Food Channel, I can tell that it was something special to her.

“Oh, Estella. Can you promise me something?” she sighed as she rubbed my head.

“Sure… if it’s nothing about not stealing your food.” 

“Can you make sure I find a good guy to love when I get older?” she asked.

“I thought my love was enough, but okay I promise.”

“I know it’s silly. I know you probably don’t understand,” she smiled at me. “I just trust you. Maybe you’d save me from heartbreak.

“Don’t worry. I understand more you could ever know. I promise I have your back.”

When Lizzie came back from skateboarding, she was jamming to the Jonas Brothers’ Lines, Vines, and Trying Times Album.

“Estella, Zachary and I almost kissed together when we were skating.” Lizzie blushed. “I think he likes me…”

“What?! The eighth grader that smells like sweat and Doritos?”

“He is coming to the party later.” She giggled. “Who knows? He might be my new boyfriend.”

“Okay…but I think…”

A few hours later…

“So, what do you think, Estella,” Lizzie asked. “Should I tell him?”

“I think we should…”

She spotted him and ran off.

“Wait! Lizzie!” I ran after her but it was too late.

“I like you a lot Zachary…”

“You are a great girl,” Zachary said. “but I consider you like a sister…”

“Okay….well thanks for being honest,” Lizzie replied. “I hope you enjoy the party.”

I instantly felt her mood plummet. I followed her to the bathroom. When she sat down and cried, I licked her cheeks. “It’s ok. We will find you the right guy. Have faith as I have in you.” 

Four years and fifteen broken heart moments later…

“I am sick of being treated a damn barbie,” Lizzie exclaimed as she threw her cellphone down. “I waste more time being bitter than anything.”

 “Well, you are picking guys like I pick food scraps. You need to be more conscious.”

“I am about to give up, Estella,” she frowned.

Her cellphone suddenly buzzed. She exhaled and checked it. A grin came across her freckled face.

“Do you think I should give Matt a chance?” she asked as she showed me his picture. “He has been a great friend…”

“Yes. I like the way he makes you smile,” I barked excitedly.

“Alrighty!”

Two years later…

“Estella! Estella!”

“Uh? What’s wrong?” I barked as I struggled to get up.

“We are engaged! Matt and I are getting married!”

“Wonderful! I told you we will find the right guy!”

A week ago…

“It should kick in in about five minutes,” said the vet.

“Oh, Estella…I don’t know how I am going to live without you…” Lizzie cried over me.

“Don’t worry I promised to find someone who loves you like I love you…” I looked up at her then sniffed Lizzie’s stomach as I closed my eyes.