Today marks two years since we adopted Cigo. As I did last year, I’m writing him a letter, inspired by Tracey at love lives on.

Dear Cigo,

Thank you for another great year (porcupine notwithstanding). You bring so much to our family. Energy, silliness, fun, patience, gentleness, enthusiasm, love.

When we’re out, people often ask what kind of dog you are. I usually reply that you are a “who-knows.” As they’re nodding solemnly because yes, of course they’ve heard of that breed, I usually follow up with you’re a “good-dog.” Because that’s the best descriptor of you (although Grandma calls you an exceptional dog).

I watch Ellie trying to teach you to “twirl,” a treat clutched in her little hand. But her arm is too short and you are too big. You give her your best sit and then windmill your head around as she whirls her arm around you. You try to figure out what she wants you to do, and when she finally gives up and tosses the treat across the room, you dash after it and then come back to try again.

I am so grateful for your patience and calm. And I laugh as I watch the two of you together.

I enjoy that I am your person. Your enthusiasm when I come home from work or your glances over your shoulder as we’re hiking or how you lay beside me as I work show me your love. I’m also grateful that moving your bed into my room has stopped the early morning crying outside my door.

Sometimes I feel like I’m not giving you enough or I don’t love you enough. In this season of my life, the minutes feel particular full, so I don’t sit and pet you very much. There are days when a walk down the driveway is all we do. As I spread my attention around to all the people and things that need it, you get what is left over, which sometimes doesn’t feel like very much. But while the minutes are full and my attention is small, the place you hold in my life is large.

Thank you for bringing so much to our lives. It’s hard to believe it’s been only two years. You are such an important part of our family, it seems like you’ve always been here.

Love, Julia

I used to write for ThatMutt.com. Its former owner wrote a thoughtful essay on The ‘Other’ Dogs. This quote fit in with some of what I was thinking about as I wrote this letter to Cigo.

“Dogs do not ask us to be the best version of ourselves. They just love us for being ourselves.”