Dear Prince...

Dear Prince,

I can't even begin to describe how sad and lonesome I've been without you these past few days. Life is completely different. When I wake up in the mornings (as I have done for the past 4 1/2 years, I automatically think about how I need to put food and water in your bowls outside on the porch. When I walk out the front door, I automatically expect you to come trotting up to greet me with your tail a-wagging. When I come home in the evenings, I look for you to come to my car door, poke your head in, and sniff around for any goodies I might have brought you. When I walk King out at night, we both expect you to be sitting on the glider, watching us in jealousy as we give each other attention and good night kisses.

You were My Sweet Boy, my Mongie, my Princetopher. When Seth gave you to me that Christmas in 2005, I never expected to fall head-over-heels in love with you. But I did eventually. I feel guilty about how I neglected you all those times in high school when I should have been at home training you or taking care of you; but instead, I was more worried about my friends and living the high school dream life. I feel guilty about going off to college for a year and leaving you at home with Mom and Dad, even though I know they took good care of you. And now, more than ever, I'm feeling more guilt than I've ever felt in my life. I knew you weren't feeling well after getting attacked a few weeks ago, but I didn't think it was anything out of the ordinary. You've gotten in so many fights that I figured you'd be ok. It never dawned on me that you were seriously hurt. I'm sorry that I didn't let Ben to take you to the vet when he offered. I'm sorry that I didn't keep you pinned up in the first place. But you needed adventure in your life and liked to visit; you would have just been miserable locked away in "prison." I'm sorry.

You were the best little dog with more personality than any other dog I'd ever met. Your sweet disposition overshadows any other dog in the running. When you were a puppy, you chewed up EVERYTHING! Because it was winter time when I brought you home, Mom let me keep you inside on the condition that I keep you in my room. Unfortunately, I could never get you to sleep next to me in the bed, but I suppose you were just a puppy who wanted to wander around at night. When I'd take you downstairs, Ben would get you going and you'd run from the stairs to the couch, the stairs to the couch, and over and over again. We all thought it was the funniest thing! And then when you got older, you'd get so excited about playing fetch that you'd literally roll all over the ground trying to get your little tire! And then there were all those times you tried to get in all our vehicles when it stormed--like the time you revved up the van while Mom was trying to get the lawn-mower started! And then of course, who could forget the little game you played with us when we'd have to "run" you home after you'd been out visiting? Even though you irritated us by not staying home like we repeatedly told you to do, it was still kind of sweet to know that you watched for us at the end of the road and waited for us to come home. You loved us all, and I'm sorry that we didn't stay at home and spend more time with you like you so desperately wanted.

We've all been pretty shaken up about your leaving us. I've been a complete mess, and I don't know if I'll ever get over it. King misses you; Ben misses playing fetch with you, Dad's lonely without you during the day; and even old Mom misses you. You must have been an awfully good dog to reach out and touch her heart. She even cried the day you died. And me, well, I've cried enough for everyone put together. A couple of weeks ago, I remember thinking what I'd do if anything ever happened to you, and I never dreamed that I'd get so upset. I guess we don't realize how big a part of our lives a dog can be until after they're gone. And that certainly is the case with you. I didn't realize how strong of a role you played in this family until this weekend. I didn't realize just how important you were, and for that, I'm sorry.

What few years we had together, I'm glad. Even though it hurts after losing you, I can't say that I wish I'd never met you. That would probably be the biggest lie I've ever told. You were my very best friend and you loved me unconditionally. That's what's so great about dogs--they love their masters no matter what. Thank you for loving me and thank you for all the joy you brought into my life. I'll never have another dog quite like you. You were the best. I love you, Sweet Boy.

Love,
Taylor

P.S. I left your collar on you because I know much you hated it when I took it off of you. Plus, I put your blanket and tennis ball in there with you too. I left your tire toy out so I could sit it next to the grave stone that Dad's going to make for you. Since you never made out to the new place, I took some petals from a flower that King brought and spread them over your grave. We were looking so forward to taking you out there, where you'd have a nice big pin all to yourself. But it's like I told King, if you had to die, then I'm glad it was at home. I love you and miss you every day!