Dear Carter Pup,

This week was hard, buddy. Between watching your health decline, to your dad literally trying everything possible to make you better, to finally having to say goodbye. It was so hard, and my heart still hurts. And while losing a furry member of the family is never easy, I know it hurts so much because of how much we love you. I didn’t get very much time with you, only about 2.5 of your almost 13 years on this planet, but I have so many memories that I will cherish forever.

I already miss our daily walks. I’ve got Dobby to keep me company, but I think even he knows something is missing. I don’t know if he’s fully grasped that you’re not coming back yet. Earlier this week when I came home at lunch to let him out to go potty, he immediately ran to the bedroom to look for you. I think he likes the extra attention he’s been getting the last few days, but I know he’d still rather have to fight you for it.

I’m going to miss my yoga partner. You often made it difficult to do any of the moves since you hogged my mat and tried to lay in my lap whenever I was on the ground, but I wasn’t complaining. I loved the company. You were an even better swimming partner. I loved going to the lake and either paddling in the kayak beside you, or on the really hot days I’d just hop in and swim along side you. Even just watching you from the shore was entertaining. I remember laughing when you would chase after birds, whining the whole time in excitement. Your little stub of a tail would be like a little propeller for you in the water. Don’t tell Dobby, but he’ll never be as good a swimmer as you!

Your love of toilet paper rolls still confuses me. I remember the first time I gave you one, I thought you’d just chew it up and be done with it, but you literally chewed and swallowed every one you got. It’s like you liked them better than most treats! I suppose we won’t have to hide them from you anymore, and even our not-yet-finished rolls will be safe.

I’m going to miss you trying to lay in my lap while I try to do book work at home. I’ll admit that sometimes I found it annoying, especially when you were being extra needy, but now I’d do anything to have you back annoying me. I always eventually gave in and let you sit with me anyway – I won’t tell your dad!

I’ll really miss the naps we took together. Dobby would usually curl up by my feet and you’d curl up next to my head, sometimes you’d even sit ON my head – you goof! But I loved rolling over and using you as a pillow or when you used me as a pillow. You were the best cuddler, and there isn’t much I wouldn’t do to have one more snuggle with you.

Luckily, I captured a lot of fun memories in photos over the years, and I want to share some of them with you:

I could go on and on, but mostly I want to say: Carter, you were the sweetest pup. Your dad did such a good job of raising you into a well-behaved, lovable, snuggly boy. You’re leaving a really big hole in both of our hearts, but we are so glad you’re running around pain free. If you could say hello to Buddy and Zeus for me, I’d appreciate it.

Rest easy big guy, and we’ll see each other again someday. Help watch over Dan for me if you can. 🙂

With love and until next time,

Megan Reiffenberger