I never thought a dog could impact my life so immensely, until Rosie came into my life. I was nine years old when my parents surprised my siblings and I. After months and months of me begging them for a dog, it finally paid off. I was so happy I couldn’t stop crying, before I even opened that tiny cardboard box my whole world was beamed full of joy. A tiny little tan chihuahua stared back at me, with deep brown eyes full of confusion as I wept. I had been the one who wanted a chihuahua, as my best stuffed animal friend had also been a chihuahua. I had an attachment to that stuffed animal, as I brought it everywhere with me, and we did absolutely everything together. That very special stuffed animal’s name is Rosie, after the rosy cheeks I thought she had (and courtesy of my pre-k spelling skills). The little dog in the box already had a name in my mind, as a little stripe of white fur on her head was close to identical to my very own stuffed animal’s. Rosie was her name from the moment I laid eyes on her, and no one disagreed. Rosie was the sweetest dog, and became my very best friend. As households do, my family became busier as we all became older, but nevertheless Rosie would always be there at the end of the day to lay on someone’s lap, or play fetch for a short while. She enjoyed her visits upstairs in my room, as my favorite blanket was also her favorite to snuggle in. She often could be found sleeping anywhere the sun could be found. Rosie also snored while she was napping, and if you listened close enough at nighttime you could often hear her snoring in her kennel downstairs. Rosie could be extremely territorial at times, barking an extreme amount if anyone got close to the house. She very protective of my family, but once she warmed up to you she’d let you rub her tummy, as well as lick your face for ages if you’d let her. Rosie was also very keen when someone was feeling sad, sometimes she would simply sit next to you, or even lick your tears to try to stop you from crying. I remember there were times in my life I struggled to make or keep friends, but I could always come home to snuggle or walk with my dog. Rosie didn’t have to understand who I was, she simply loved me. It was that unconditional love that didn’t need explaining, it just was. Even now after three years without her, I search to give that love and amount of care towards others. Knowing that my time, or others time, could very well be limited. Rosie was a light in my life that I’ll never forget, and the day I lost her, I lost a best friend that I’ll never get back. I wish more than anything that she was still here today, but she’s not. I have to continue forwards with the love she gave me, and remind myself she’s watching over me from somewhere. My stuffed animal Rosie now sits on my dormitory bed, and a cement imprint of Rosie’s paw sits on my nightstand. I keep her close with me, as I continue my walk through living as Rosie may have left my life, but she will absolutely never leave my heart.