My Soul Dog

There are some goodbyes you never see coming—no matter how much time you have. My dog, my constant companion for the past 13 years, passed away recently. He was more than just a pet. He was the light of my life, the most loyal friend I’ve ever known, and a silent strength in every moment I didn’t think I could make it through.

We adopted him when I was just ten years old, a wide-eyed fourth grader who didn’t know how much one little creature could change a life. He walked beside me (literally and figuratively) through every chapter—from childhood innocence to college graduation. He witnessed my transformation and, in many ways, shaped it. Now, at 23, I’m facing life without him, and the silence is deafening.

He wasn’t just a dog—he was my soul dog. The kind you only get once.

Through losing four beloved family members, two heartbreaks, and a global pandemic, he never left my side. He didn’t need to speak to comfort me. He just knew. He was there when the world crumbled, when I thought I couldn’t go on, when I needed laughter, and when I didn’t even know I needed love.

His intelligence amazed me. He knew about 35 words—far more than most would think possible. But even more incredible was how he knew me. He could read my emotions with no effort, sensing the sadness behind a smile or the anxiety behind a laugh.

His joys were simple: his daily walks, his toys, his food (of course), and more than anything, basking in the sun on his couch—his little kingdom of peace.

Now that he's gone, I keep wondering: Who will be there the next time I fall apart? I know God is always with me, but my dog was also always there. However, what I know is this: his love has left a permanent mark on my heart. His absence hurts, yes, but his presence for all those years was a gift beyond words. Somehow, through the grief, I find peace in one thing—I know he's in Heaven now. Lying in the sunshine with Jesus, reunited with all the loved ones and dogs that went before him. I imagine him there, tail wagging, heart full, just waiting for the day we’ll walk together again.

To my soul dog: thank you for every moment. I will love you for the rest of my life.