10/14/2026
No, I didn’t think you were going to live forever…
But I guess a part of me thought you’d always be here.
The truth is, while you were here, I wasn’t thinking about a life without you. I wasn’t preparing myself for the day you wouldn’t be by my side. I was too busy living life with you in it. Enjoying the rides, the walks, the games of fetch, the quiet nights, and all the ordinary moments that somehow became the ones I miss the most.
I knew you were getting older. I knew our time together wasn’t unlimited. But I never wanted to spend the time we had worrying about the day it would end. I wanted to be present, to enjoy you, and to appreciate what we had while we still had it.
And now, looking back, I realize there’s a cruel little irony in that. I spent all those years trying to live in the moment with you, never realizing just how unprepared I’d be for the moments without you.
14 years and 3 months. A lifetime for a dog, but somehow not nearly enough for the human who loved her.
You were there for so many chapters of my life. Through the good, the bad, the changes, the chaos, and everything in between. You never cared what kind of day I had, how much money I made, or whether I had my s**t together. You were just happy I was home.
And now, the little things hit the hardest. The empty space where you used to lay. The instinct to look for you. The moments when I still expect to see you, even when I know you’re not there.
You weren’t just a dog, Charade You were my best friend, my constant, and a piece of home that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
I wouldn’t trade a single gray hair, a single gray muzzle, or a single day of those almost 14 years for anything in the world.
I just wish I could have one more.
One more “ride?”
One more ball thrown.
One more walk on our property.
One more trail hike in the woods.
One more moment with my best friend.
No, Charade, I didn’t think you were going to live forever.
I just never imagined how hard it would be to live in a world where you don’t.
Thank you for nearly 14 years of unconditional love, loyalty, and memories I’ll never stop carrying with me. Love you forever.
Until we meet again, Charade Save me a spot. 💛🐾