I stayed home today, I didn't really feel like dealing with the world. I didn't want to hear the people who have never had a pet tell me things like. "Oh it's just a dog."

I just kind of curled up on the bed all day and thought about all the fun times and things I did with my dog over the years.

It's kind of odd to say, but I think he's impacted my life more than a lot of humans I know have. Almost 13 years together.

He had an uncanny way of understanding me and knowing when I was upset or sick. He used to put his paw on my hand and you could feel him kind of give it a squeeze, as much as a dog can squeeze at least. He'd also pet my face and look at me as if saying "You'll be okay, I'm here for you always."

I want to thank him for all his love and loyalty.

He was a puppy to six different litters, over thirty beautiful dogs, and an amazing father who actually helped the mother rear and raise every one of them until it was time for them to go to a new home.

He was intelligent and knew a lot of tricks, some being things I never even intentionally taught him, but things he just started to do out of the blue.

He was a confidant and would listen to all my problems without ever judging me or turning away.

Most of all he was a true friend and always wanted to see me happy.

So from the day I came home from school and found a little black fuzzball on our chair that bit my nose when I bent down to kiss it, to the last time I saw you this summer, a wise old greying dog who still had that same glimmer of youth and brightness behind his eyes, I will always remember and cherish all the times we shared.