Dear Rusty,

It has been nearly two months since you died, and people are looking at me weird. I think some want to say, “It was just a dog.” They wouldn’t dare.

I cry about you every single day. I think of all the fun your Daddy and I had with you. I watch the home movies we made of you barking at us when we teased you with toys. You brought us so much joy, and with you gone, there is none. None. Since you left us, Daddy’s father also passed away. In 35 days we have lost two people very dear to us. Life is not the same anymore.

Sometimes you were scolded about being scared of little things. But I understood. People scold me for being scared of what they think are little things too. I was never mad at you for being scared of stuff. No one knows what scary is to us.

I would have moved heaven and earth to save you the night you died. Daddy and I didn’t realize how truly sick you were. You were brave to the end. I don’t know if we’ll ever get another dog again. I would like to. It just wouldn’t be you.

Mom, age 38