Grateful Lola Thoughts
I'm so grateful I was able to cherish my dog for 16 (almost 17) long years.
I'm grateful that she was my only real friend, companion when I first moved to NYC and didn't know a single soul.
I'm grateful that my dog made me feel safe when I was alone.
I'm grateful my dog wasn't the stereotypical "big, dumb clingy" dog. She was affectionate when she wanted, but cherished her alone time. She was hyper and excited, but also cool and aloof. She was smart and complex and didn't immediately love everyone she met. She was basically similar to me, and I'm grateful her presence provided a mirror to my own behavior and habits that I might not have noticed on my own.
I'm grateful that my dog taught me how to be less selfish.
I'm grateful that my dog taught me how to love, a deeper kind of love I didn't even know I was capable of having.
I'm grateful my dog was there for me for the majority of my awkward, cringe adult years (particularly my 20s) and never judged me, even though I should've been a much better dog owner for her.
I'm grateful for my dog's highly intuitive habit of sussing out weird, untrustworthy people.
I'm so grateful that, for the past 16 years, I can say I've never been truly alone.
I'm grateful that my dog kept my floors clean of crumbs for years without me ever needing to get out a vacuum.
I'm grateful that my dog was so chill about new places, cities, and apartments and never punished me for the lack of consistency. She loved every apartment I lived in, and when she didn't, she definitely would let me know!
I'm grateful that my dog was so mutable to new places and things and was always excited to go on adventures with me.
I'm grateful that I can honestly say I had the perfect dog, who was perfect for me in every way, as if (and I swear I'm not a spiritual person) she were sent specifically for me.
How happy she made me, even on my darkest, shittiest days.
I miss her so much, it's insane.