The school bus pulled up to my street. I looked out the window. There, I saw my mom holding a puppy. My body was instantly overwhelmed with excitement. That was the day I finally got a dog. From there, a 9-year-old girl and a puppy became the best of friends. As a beautiful female Golden Retriever English Cream Retriever mix, her name was Bailey Rae. She was the last puppy from her litter to go because she was too Golden. Everyone else wanted all of the white puppies. However, we thought she was the perfect dog, no matter what color she was. Bailey was kind, smart, funny, and the best cuddle buddy ever. Shockingly, she did not care for fetching, even as a retriever. However, she loved to play tug-of-war. Whenever we played, she sounded like a lion. We loved to call her a feisty kitty. Our family was so blessed to have her as a family member for eight years. No matter how many years you have with your dog, it will never be enough. Bailey was my friend when I had nobody. I would come home from school upset due to my lack of friends. She was there waiting for me to spend time with her. Laying on the floor with her was the best therapy I have ever had. She made me forget about all the rejection and heartache I had in my social life. I thought to myself, “at least Bailey loves me.” Bailey brought me joy on my lowest days. She brought me light when darkness overcame my world. She was my friend, family, and pet all wrapped into a four-legged ball of joy. She is no longer with us because of medical issues, but her memory lives on forever in my mind, heart, and soul. Not a day goes by that I do not think about her. From struggling with friends as a 9-year-old to studying for final exams in college, her existence forever motivates me to keep moving forward when times get tough. Bailey was everything a person needs. She was therapy, encouragement, comfort, and shelter. She was my home and my happy place. As long as I had her, I knew everything would be okay. Fortunately, I had the privilege of having such an impactful dog. Everyone deserves to have at least one amazing dog in their life time. Dogs are the greatest creature that God has ever created. They will stick by your side no matter what. They will lick away your tears. They will make you laugh on your worst days. Bailey changed my life in the best way possible.