I think it’s fitting that my first ever blog post is about you. We’ve mostly had an up and down relationship, and that’s large in part due to me never knowing when to leave you alone. Our family never had a dog before. In fact, my parents hadn’t entertained the idea until they were coerced into it. You blessed this family 14 years ago when my brother, your dad, brought you home.
You looked like a cotton ball with pieces of cookie dough stuffed into it. It’s true. You fit into the palm of my hands, and to this day, I’ve never seen anything so precious. I fell in love. Unfortunately, you lived upstairs in our house with my brother and his then-girlfriend. Sigh. I’d do anything to come see you, even if that meant annoying the crap out of my brother to let me upstairs.
Eventually, they broke up, you grew older (and slightly bigger), and my parents surrendered into your cuteness, albeit extremely loud at times. You might’ve been a compulsive barker, who knows. All I cared about was you being downstairs with us and finally feeling like our dog, rather than just my brothers dog.
I remember you dropping weight at a rapid rate. We took you to the vet, and I still remember her telling us you had cancer and that there was a slim chance of you surviving. She told us to let the hospital keep you overnight and assess further options. It didn’t feel right. We knew if we let you stay there that night, you’d have probably have past away that week. We took you home and did the treatment ourselves. I’ll spare you the details. It was painful for you and our family. Months later, you were back and stronger than ever. We never looked back. That still amazes me to this day.
The next few years we grew closer than ever. It was truly the friendship I always desperately needed. I loved taking care of you. Even if you didn’t always reciprocate that love back (I got used to it), your presence meant the world to me. It’s been a few days since we had to say goodbye to you. This house, my life, or our family will never be the same without you. But, you injected so much love into this family that I think we’ll have just enough to get by. You watched me grow, and I watched you grow. You were my best friend, nephew, and pup. You can never and will never be replaced.
Thank you for everything. Rest easy, my boy.
Love,
Uncle Kenny
