18/10/2025
They’ve been here since before the kids were born.
They watched each baby come home from the hospital.
They sniffed tiny blankets, laid by bassinets,
and stood guard through every sleepless night.
They’ve been the first “sibling”,
the one who let little hands pull their ears,
who shared snacks under the highchair,
who listened to toddler secrets whispered between giggles.
Now their muzzle is gray.
Their steps are slower.
They don’t run to the door anymore,
but their eyes still light up when they see us.
They’ve grown up right alongside my kids,
and now my kids are watching them grow old.
And I can’t help but think…
one day the house will feel quieter,
the floor will lose those familiar paw steps,
and a piece of our story will go with them.
Because they weren’t just a pet,
they were part of our family.
The softest soul. The first best friend.
The one who loved us through every chapter. 🐾
©Christina Stanley
