I say I remember the day I met you, the sweet little wiggly munchkin that worked your way directly into my heart and never let go but that has to be a lie. I don't remember what it felt like not to have you in my life. Not to love you with all of my heart.
I say I remember the moment I knew, you were meant to come home with me, but how could I possibly when I look at your face and it feels like you've always been my best friend?
In the blink of an eye I went from wondering if I was in a place in my life to have a dog to wondering how I lived without you.
In the blink of an eye I went from being scared that I didn't know what I was doing, that I didn't know how to train a dog or provide for you to feeling more secure than I ever have in anything I have done.
Before I knew it, you became my security when I felt insecure, my best friend when I felt lonely, my reason to laugh when I felt down, my reason to keep getting up every morning when I felt worn out, my reason to exercise when I felt lazy, my reason to sit and relax when I felt overwhelmed.
Without warning, days I would have stayed working too late for a company that didn't value me became days where I would rush home instead to see your sweet face waiting for me with your excited wiggle you would do.
In no time at all, I became confident in spending time at home with my own thoughts because you would be sitting next to me. I began to build a home for myself wherever we lived because you deserved that, and I learned, so did I.
I began to look forward to days where I had nothing scheduled and stopped feeling the need to book every hour of everyday. Instead I cherished the moment to just sit on the balcony with you and relax.
I rediscovered a love for things I had forgotten because of you. Long walks just because, camping, exploring new places, photography, running... And so much more.
In the blink of an eye my life changed for the better for so many more reasons than I could have ever imagined, all because of you.
Because of you, I have some of my closest friends, healthy coping mechanisms and have gotten through some of the roughest times in my life with a smile on my face.
There are no words, no matter how hard I try that can describe how much your love and life has meant to me, nor are there words to truly express the gratitude I feel for having you in my life. You will forever be in my heart and will forever remind me of what I am capable of.
Rest easy my sweet angel Zippo. Forever loved by so many.
P.S. I will keep your stick collection for other dogs to come by and play :)
