Dear Shelly Dog,

I’m sorry I didn’t always treat you nicely. You were my first pet, and I loved you so much. Maybe I didn’t always show my love in the right way.

There are a few things I remember doing. The thing that probably hurt you the most was when I rode you like a horsey. Also, I shouldn’t have pulled on your long, fuzzy tail. It must not have been fun when I teased you with your treats and bones. Now that I am older, I feel bad I did all of those things to you.

It could have been the reason you died faster when you had cancer. When I rode you I could have hurt you. I’m sorry, Shelly.

Sincerely,
Brandon, age 10