A dog’s life is finite, but their love is eternal.

Sometimes, I actually feel grateful that dogs only live for a decade or so, and that they will leave this world before I do. I can’t even imagine what would happen to my little dog if I were to pass away first. I have always treated him as my own child, so who would take care of him? Would his little mind ever understand that I am never coming back?

People always say that Teddy Poodles are clingy and sensitive, that they bark a lot and need constant comforting. But to me, he is simply my baby. I don’t need him to be a dog that understands every command, nor do I need to train him endlessly. All I want is for him to sleep soundly every day, to have plenty of “Crazy Dog Sandwich” kibble and freeze-dried treats whenever he’s hungry, and then to go outside, run and play joyfully with his doggy friends, before coming home exhausted.

Unlike human children who eventually grow up, become independent, and leave the nest, his entire life will revolve solely around me. He understands my words and my tone of voice; he can even tell if I am happy or sad just by twitching his little nose and taking a sniff. If I were to leave first, he is absolutely the one I would worry about the most. Because he is just a dog, he cannot speak, and without the person he trusts and relies on the most, he would be so scared.

So sometimes, I am thankful that a dog’s lifespan is limited. It means I get to spend his entire life caring for and loving him. Even though he will eventually leave, a dog’s love is truly eternal.