A Letter to Bee

Dear Bee,

            I waited my whole life for you. I remember being a kid and dreaming of when I would get my first golden. A dog that I would raise, I would be responsible for and I would love. It was never a question of if I would get my own golden. It was a question of when. That feeling only grew at the loss of Abby. When she passed so suddenly, I had never felt grief so deeply. At first, I thought that I could never love another dog in the way that I loved Abby. Then, through time, I realized that Abby taught me how to love. Abby’s constant unconditional love showed me how to love you. She prepared me to have you. I loved you long before you were ever born, and I will love you long after the day you die.

            The day I picked you up I was so nervous that I got a rash on my neck. Seeing you so little, I was overcome with a sense of duty to protect you. You were mine, and I was yours. I became your mom. I thought I loved you then, but every day I love you more. It’s exponential. You are such a good boy. You were easy to train from day one. You never cried in your crate. You were cuddly and goofy from the moment that I got you. You loved learning new things and exploring. You are my best friend. It is such a privilege to get to be your mama and watch you grow up. You amaze me every single day with your calm energy and happy demeanor. I am so grateful to have you in my life.

            So, thank you Bee. Thank you for being the best, best friend that I could ask for. Thank you for reminding me of my previous dogs while also being your own individual. Thank you for teaching me about taking care of another being on my own. Thank you for making me laugh and giving me your love. I will never take a second of our time together for granted. That is a gift that Abby gave me in her sudden death: to appreciate every moment. I love you Bee. I love you to infinity, and I will love you forever.

Love,

Mama