Dear Ginger,

You are the coolest and awesomest dog ever.  There is no other dog who can do some of the stuff you do like how you ride on my razor scooter.  You are my best friend in the whole world.

Zach (Age 6 ½)

Kooper,

From the moment you came through the door I knew you had to be mine.   The big red bow hung around your neck and your pink tongue flopped out  of your mouth as you ran straight towards me.  You were the first one I laid eyes on and I knew you were perfect.  Thank you for being the best dog in the whole wide world. 

I love you!

To my love,

When I wake up in the morning, I love knowing you’re beside me. I roll over and you make me smile. Your big green eyes staring back at me, anticipation of the day to come. I touch your head and brush some hair behind your ear… you’re my best friend.

When I’m making coffee, you sit across the kitchen watching me intently. I laugh at you and give you some of my bagel. We eat breakfast together and then go for our morning walk around the neighborhood. Both of us taking in the smells of a new day. You love to race me to the end of the street and you always win. After, we sit on the grass without saying a word, content, happy, serene. I don’t know what my world would be like without you.
 
When we get back to the house we both curl up on the couch and enjoy the warmth from the fireplace. I bend over to rub your neck and you kiss me on the cheek. I tell you I love you and your tail wags. I think you understand me. In fact, I’m sure of it.    

Love always,

Hillary

Dear Bandit,

 I rescued you when you were only 5 weeks old and you were the cutest kitten I had ever seen.  You were my little buddy all through my senior year of college and your unwaivering patience in my constant nomadic habits were always appreciated.  Within 2 years of your life you lived in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and California!  You were a real trooper when you drove with me cross country for two weeks.  I know you wanted so badly to run off into the Grand Canyon like a ferocious mountain lion, as free as the wilderness itself, but you behaved like a good little domestic housepet should, and for that, I thank you.

I wanted to return your unconditional love and patience on our road trip out to California by letting you go out and play at my new apartment.  I know you love to chase birds and mice and stalk bugs in the bushes, with your cryptic grey and black stripes hiding you from your potential prey.  I'm not sure what happened to you that day I let you out, or why you never came back, but I want to let you know that even though it's been 8 months, I haven't stopped looking for you.  I've spent countless hours scouring the neighborhood, posting signs and visiting local animal shelters, hoping and praying that you lost your way and were picked up by a friendly local.  I know deep down in your heart you always wanted to be free, that you were never meant to be an indoor housecat, so I hope wherever you are, you are happy, unharmed and free as a bird.  You were always a smart and gentle soul who never scratched or bit anyone.  I love you so much, Bandit, you were my best friend and I still have hope that you'll find your back home.

I miss you.

Love,
Renee G.

Dear Kimo (our dog),

I love you very much.  I wish so much that you weren't a dog so I could play with you and you could to to school with me.  Even though you are 15 years old, you still act like a puppy.  I love you very much!

Love,

Jordan (Age 8)

Dear Mr. B,

When I met you 2 years ago, you were alone, homeless and looking for a best friend.  We instantly connected and you moved in with me that day.  We've been inseparable ever since...  Yes, sometimes I may seem grouchy when you steal all the covers and even though I may sometimes turn your kisses away, please know I always love you.  I've loved every one of our long walks on the beach and nights snuggling on the couch.  Thank you for the last 2 years of wonderful moments and unconditional love.  I truly love you. 

My best friend, my dog, Mr. Bones