Over the next few weeks, we’ll mark Valentine’s Day with a series of love letters. The beginning of this theme is Kelly Konaboy dedicating a love letter to his soulmate, his dog.
Dear Peter—
First I’d like to clear this up: I don’t want to make the assumption that dogs can’t read. What I’ve learned over and over is that underestimating your cognitive and physical abilities, for example, when you train me to give you treats, just makes me look stupid. Every time you come from a walk, just sit patiently near your treats as if the treats were always part of the deal. Or if you jumped over a couch that was four times her size that was your size, I also need to point it out. But I think you’re smart enough to be the type of dog who avoids spending a lot of time on the internet.
peter i love you i know you know this If a transcript of everything I tell you on her day is available, I have no doubt that “I love you” will make up at least 60% of the text. I think this is going to be a hassle, especially if I try to get your attention (“Peter? Hello, Peter? Peter?”) just by saying it again (“I love you!”). But we must also take responsibility for our actions. you are too adorableIt is impossible to exist in front of you, and it is impossible to express the feeling that your heart is about to burst due to excessive affection. you.
See what happens on your walk. It’s impossible to navigate a city without being stopped by strangers — he is so bright! he is so beautiful! he is so charming! is he a chihuahua? is he a puppy I hope I didn’t embarrass you by sharing my knowledge that you’re primarily a Chihuahua and Black Lab mix, as people tend to pick up on the implied image humor. As a man, you should take pride in your puppy comments. You’re old like Jennifer Lopez, Peter. Usually only Jennifer Lopez can say that.
Someone once asked me in some disbelief how I knew you were my soulmate. At that time, I didn’t have a good answer. I don’t like being put there. I know you feel the same way, but I think that’s easily explained by the fact that I never feel alone when I’m with you. I believe that no matter what difficulties we face, we can start hundreds of new lives with you. If I had known that you would be with me forever, I wouldn’t have been so afraid of my future.
Of course I don’t have you forever. At least not physically. (Haunt me as a dog ghost if that becomes an option.) As if your thoughts of death, and the possibility of it coming before me, are intertwined with your thoughts of life. It comes to me as often as it feels. This usually leads to unexpected sob moments, but it also allowed me to “be present.” Something you’ve only heard on meditation apps. Today is a day to spend with Peter. I know that at some point in the future I won’t be able to say that… but today I can.
No, I desperately want it, but I can’t have you forever. If possible, I donate years of my own life to make our timelines more even. , that you have me forever. And that’s more important.
As your guardian, it is my wish that you feel some of the safety and comfort that I feel just by looking at you. From the mere fact of your existence. I promise to never stop trying. And just like you trained me, I always give you a treat when we come from a walk.
love,
Kelly
Kelly Konaboy Writer living in New York. She has contributed to publications such as her Gawker, The Cut and The Hairpin. her book – Peter details — all about her very special dog. (We loved it.)
PS dog tattoos and why they have to be rescued.
