Dear Izzy...

Twelve years, nine months. That’s four thousand six hundred forty eight days. It wasn’t enough time. Would it ever be?

I always knew this day would come. When you turned 10, I ended every day thanking the universe for giving us one more day together. I knew everyday was a gift and not to take it for granted. But it does’t make saying goodbye any easier.

I remember meeting you for the first time. You were just a mere 5 weeks old, but I knew you were the one meant for us. You waltzed right over to me and gently bit on the charm hanging off my bracelet. The one shaped like a bone engraved with “Mika.” My heart was still grieving her loss and this was a sign to me.

When we came back, you were 8 weeks old and no one had claimed you for themselves. That’s when I knew for sure you were coming home with us.

Those weeks in between visits was hard - I was already smitten, but you were too young to leave your mom and siblings. We took a trip to Italy and that helped pass the time. While we were there, we knew we needed to give you an Italian name. Thus, Isabella it was. In time, it was obvious Izzy suited you better.

Spunky, fiesty, demanding, persistent, yet gentle, loving, charming and simply just the sweetest pup there was. I swore I would never love another dog as much as I loved Mika. I kept my guard up in the beginning. But as the days turned into weeks, that turned into months, I eventually fell hopelessly completely in love.

We became incredibly bonded. Sometimes I think you knew how I was feeling before I did. If I got sad, no matter where you were or what you were doing, you’d come and comfort me. You let me cry on your fur countless numbers of times, celebrated my wins, danced with me, put up with my off key singing in the car and never ever said no to an adventure.

My companion, my constant shadow, and my security blanket for all the times I got scared. We lived through many life changes together and you being there with me always made it easier. At the end of a bad day, you were there to greet me at the door with the wag of a tail. A reminder that no matter how bad things seemed, I was still lovable.

In you, I found a part of my soul I’m not sure I ever knew existed. It’s true.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” -Anatole France

You did that for me. That is the gift you gave me. In you, I found unconditional, pure love. Just like you felt for me. For that, I am so grateful.

Izzy Boo

Izzy Busy Boo

Izzy Busy Bear

7/8/10 - 4/8/23

Rest now, sweet girl. I hope you’ll be waiting for me when it’s my turn. Until then, I will always love you.