My First Baby: A Tribute to My Beloved Dog While She’s Still With Us by Ann Marie Patitucci

Pets
5 years ago

My First Baby: A Tribute to My Beloved Dog While She’s Still With Us

My beloved dog Cheyenne, aka “Good Girl” (a nickname coined by my son when he was a toddler), is 12 years old now. I know her days are numbered. I often see friends writing tributes to their furry family members when they pass, and I’m sure I’ll do the same when her day comes. But I’ve decided to write one now, too, while she’s still with us. Maybe it’s more of a love letter than anything.

Cheyenne, 

You were my first baby. In many ways you made me a mom. You’re a bit of a mama bear yourself, fiercely protecting your family. I’ll forever be grateful to you for loving and protecting my boys, for your gentleness, playfulness and sweetness. They’ve never known life without you and I can’t bear the thought of the day that they’ll have to.

It has been a joy and a gift to watch you grow and to love you through all the stages of your life. And while you may have slowed down over the years, in many ways you really haven’t changed at all. You’re still excited to see us when we come home and sad to see us leave. You still bark when people approach our yard and you still do the same gross stuff you did when you were a puppy. 

Most importantly, you are still a loyal friend and a huge part of our family. You have loved us unconditionally, never asking for anything and giving us all of your love and affection. You always want to be near us, to the point of blocking doorways and entrances, and laying down in front of the stove when we’re trying to cook. But what more could anyone ask, really, than to be loved like that?

When the time comes for us to say goodbye, I want you to know that you have fulfilled your purpose, a thousand times over. You have been such a “good girl.” Thank you for choosing us. 

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Elisa Schmitz
Aw! I love this, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead ! "But what more could anyone ask, really, than to be loved like that?" Seriously. Dogs are just the best. Thank you for writing this on behalf of all of us dog lovers! xoxo PS: I absolutely love the photos - beautiful!
Katie Sloan
It’s so hard to watch our fur babies age. Good Girl is given much love which she returns tenfold. Love this and you!
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thank you, Katie Sloan ! You are one of my favorite dog mamas. Riley is lucky to have you! xoxo
Stephanie Cannoe
She's beautiful. My doggies have all long since crossed the rainbow bridge, but your words helped me remember. Thank you. ❤
Tiffany Zook
Love you Good girl! Miss you!
Jessica Acree
What a lovely idea to do this before it gets tough... a fantastic tribute to the unconditional love pets bring into our lives. I'm going to go home and hug my Bruno now!
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thank you, Jessica Acree ! Love to you and Bruno!
Meredith Schneider
Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead this is so beautiful! Dogs are the best. Been lucky to have amazing dogs in my life since I was a little girl and horses too. They are both equally so hard to say goodbye to when the time comes. Thank you for sharing this. xoxoxox
Karen Vega
I want to hug your dog, she's beautiful
Margaret Steck
Such a lovely tribute to a beautiful girl!
Nancy Hawthorne
I so love this Ann Marie! I feel the same way about our Chloe....she is many times the best part of our day! No judgment only love 💕 Thank u for the beautiful post!
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thanks, Nancy Hawthorne ! I know exactly what you mean!
Joy Stephenson-Laws JD
LOVE this!!! Beautiful dog.
Ann Marie Patitucci
Thanks, Joy Stephenson-Laws JD . Our fur babies are so special!

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