2,395 hearts
Cast off, thrown away, declared beyond repair, from the debris and dust you rose—an uncounted treasure beyond compare. A devotion no fortune can purchase or chase, found only by loving, choosing and placing my care.
With my heart as your compass, you arrived like a comet, blazing with thanks. Shelter was what I offered, yet a true home is what you made, wrapped in love's ranks. As I fed your body, you nourished my spirit with joy and with grace; and as your street-stains faded, you covered me in kisses all over my face.
A companion for the ages we both found that evening you tore through the door, then slipped under the blankets and burrowed into my core. Hand in paw we waved goodbye to the cold, lonely, dark nights we bore.
With time and a tender heart, I mended your trust in people again; and with each snuggle and cuddle, you helped me rediscover my will to stay and begin.
The silk of your soft, smooth coat stilled every storm that raged within; and I wrapped your trembling frame close, shielding you from the lightning and the thunder's din.
Patient and loyal, you anchored beside me on those dreadful days I could barely rise, while the unspoiled, brilliant joy shining in your eyes coaxed me back from the bed through pain and cries.
Day after day our bond deepened, beyond what any language could convey. I knew each gesture: the delicate lift of a paw, the joyful wiggle of your tail. The smallest furrow of your brow laid your whole soul bare, reading my mind without fail, and the sweet tilt of your head when thrilled was nothing short of divine. So quick to learn, you knew the snapping shut of my laptop meant it was time to walk and shine.
An adventure always waited, something new for us to chase. We scaled mountains, sprawled on beaches, crossed oceans, and watched night melt into day. In my darkest hours you were my brightness, a grin I could always rely upon—whether lying in tall grass, bounding through snow, or rolling in the scratchy sun. I carried you up hikes and down dunes, yet it was you who trained me to run a 10k marathon.
Gazing into those deep, searching eyes, I felt the weight of what we shared: a bond built on every sense, from touch to scent, each inch of you pure perfection. I miss breathing you in, admiring your camera-ready, ginger-brown complexion—an inspiration for your name, a portrait of your soul in perfect reflection. The delight of your high-pitched whine still rings in my ears with lasting inflection, as does the huff of your outward sniffing when you savoured my scent with deep recollection.
Separation's sting visited us daily, yet every reunion arrived with your infectious smile. I loved your soft, floppy ears, even when the ear drops turned into quite the trial. I recall your splayed-out frog legs in your young, agile days, playing with favourite toys, each habit with its own style—like stashing bones in a corner or the curled lip that made the funniest profile. Whether arranging pillows into a bed, nestling into a pile of clean clothes, digging a hole in the sand, or nuzzling the rug, you made everything worthwhile.
So much of you I'll never forget, for the memories are beyond compare. You drank only fresh or running water, yet savoured a scrap from the ground without a care. I adored your youthful zoomies and how you'd race and romp all around; and when you wanted a chest rub, you'd rest your paw on my hand and I'd be spellbound. Sometimes stubborn, you'd still show off your toys whenever guests came into town.
Your power to read me—from my tone to a single glance—was staggering and profound. When we proved your wit by matching people to their names, you'd always astound. I feel I could never give you enough kisses, though I know they were infinite and all around. You never once felt like a burden or a duty, even though my whole life revolved around you.
You gifted warmth and tongue-kisses to children and strangers passing through the way; even our cat-loving neighbour fell for your canine charm on display. Then, with the years, we both grew older and began to turn a little grey. You slowed, yes, but stayed young at heart, and I missed any sign of decay. Yet maybe it was kinder that I couldn't foresee the dismay ahead: your final memories were hikes, creeks, waterfalls, mounds of treats and play. I would have kept you a puppy forever, or given anything for just one more day—but I made you a promise I wouldn't let you suffer or slowly fade away.
Your last act of selflessness—guiding me home and lingering till our family arrived. More than a decade together, and still I wonder who rescued whom, though it may sound contrived. The vets said your heart was too large to live, yet that big heart is how you loved and thrived. And now it's hard to carry on without you, with a heart cracked open and starved of your love, half of me departed.
By hitting the arrow you accept your web Terms of Use and Privacy & Cookie Policy. Every email comes with easy one-click unsubscribe links.
keep the journal open