Riley

My dog, Riley, died yesterday.  He got hit by a car, and it was the end of his short eight year life.  I will miss him very much.

To lose a pet is a difficult thing.  I have spent all day thinking about him, crying over his death.  He was a pet, but also a companion.  I loved him.  He meant so much to me.  It is hard to know that I'll never see him again.  He was a loyal friend that I could always turn to.  His love was unconditional.  When I had a problem and no one I could talk to, or at least no one I cared to talk to, I could always count on Riley to just sit with me.  He offered me the comfort that no human ever could.  He was truly a best friend.  

All I have left now are memories.  And, to be honest, it's not enough.  It's just not good enough.  I won't ever be able to pet him, to play with him, to cuddle with him.  He meant a lot to me, and I don't know if anyone will ever realize what it means to me that he is no longer in my life.  I am now forced to make those memories be enough.  I'll try to be thankful for them, and remember that he was such an amazing part of my life for the last eight years.  

His relative youth and good health caused me to take his life for granted.  Never would I have imagined that when I came home today I would receive such awful news.  It was shocking and horrible.  

I will miss you, Riley.  You were a wonderful dog and a dear, dear friend.  I loved you so much and I will never forget you.