To our Good Girl...

Dear Sweet Bridger,

What a sad day it was for all of us on Saturday to have to let you go. You are already greatly missed around the house. You were such a good girl. I know we told you (and Dakota) that all of the time because now Ryan refers to all dogs as “good girl.” I am not even sure that he knows what the word “dog” means.

Thank you for bringing so much joy to our lives, especially your daddy’s life for the past 13 years. You truly were man’s best friend. I remember the first time I watched you and Aspen at my house. Dakota, of course, hated both of you and growled every time either of you would come within 10 feet of her. You destroyed a plant I had as well as two pictures frames, but I let it go because I loved Peter, and he loved you two.

You have been a constant companion on runs, hikes, etc., and you were always so excited to do it. It was so hard to see you deteriorating over the past couple of months because you could not do the things you loved most, and that broke our hearts. I went on a run yesterday and thought of you. I could just imagine that you are out there somewhere running around and chasing birds.

We were laughing the other night when we were talking about the day you and Dakota (who did grow to love you and become your best buddy) chased a squirrel down in the backyard and tore it to shreds. No, that is not funny—the poor squirrel—but the fact that it looked like a massive blood bath, especially on Dakota’s face, was what was amusing. That squirrel definitely put up a fight.

You were the best guard dog. Everyone was afraid of that bark. Little did most know that you were the sweetest, most gentle dog. Never once did we worry about the boys being around you. Thank you for letting Charlie ride you like a horse, pull your tail and ears, and poke you in the eyes. You took it all in stride, and he loved you so much. In fact, losing you has been tough on Charlie. I have not witnessed true emotion like that out of a three-year-old. Somehow, he just gets it.

And then there is your daddy, Peter, who loved you like you were his first child. He was so good to you and you to him. I told him that when I die, I want to come back as a dog with an owner like him. True, unconditional love. When the boys were born, you did not become a dog to him like some people said you would, you were still his baby girl.

Well, Good Girl, it is time for you to run wild with your momma, Aspen. Thank you for everything you gave us. We will miss you greatly and love you so much. We were so lucky to have you in our lives.