Saturday, I will have to say goodbye to this cranky old man of a dog. He may have been cranky but he loved us all unconditionally. I know that Gizmo, my best friend for 14 years would have given his life and last breath to protect me, save me, to make sure no harm was done to me.

I've yet to meet a dog that was as small as Gizmo, and had as much fight, as much heart as he did in him. 15 pounds going on 300 pounds. He wouldn't let anyone push me around, push him around. His heart was bigger than mine, yours, and even that of a Saint. He was my protector, my friend, my companion.

I wish we had more time together, I'm sorry I got old on you and grew up. Regardless of my age, or how busy I was, he was always there to protect me, to love me. When I was cold, he'd keep me warm. And I think that was due to the size of his heart, he had a job and with each beat he did that job admirably, honorably, and without question. You went above and beyond to do your job and for that I'm thankful, I'm glad to have known you, I'm glad I was able to call you MY DOG.

I'm being childish, selfish, I want to keep you here. Out of my own fears of missing you, which most certainly my fears are grand; I want you stay here. I know you must leave, but I don't want you to. I know you have to move on, but I don't want you to. I'm not ready to say goodbye. I'm not ready to let go, even if I must. Just know that I have and always will love you. You will not be forgotten or replaced, you will never be unloved or not missed.

Soon your beautiful mug, and playful eyes will adorn my skin. An everlasting reminder of a great friend that will sadly, unfortunately, no longer be with us. I'm not ready to say goodbye, I just need you to know that you weren't just the "family pet" you were simply family. Enjoy this Thanksgiving old chap, with warm turkey in your belly and mash potatoes and gravy on your breath; enjoy it. For we will not get another one together.

I'm not ready to say goodbye.