It had to be you.

It seems like all great writers have a dedication to a beloved pet that has passed on.  I'm not a famous writer (yet), but Leo was a ninja pug that brought me joy for 12 years and deserves a few words.

I've been calling Leo my shadow, but he was more like sunshine...and not only mine.  He belonged to anyone that ever met him because he gave a little piece of himself to each and every life he touched.  And, no, I'm not just talking about the hair.  It sounds crazy, but Leo truly was a connector; he could command a room and monopolize the conversation.  Leo never met a stranger he didn't want to hug (often times followed by said stranger asking me if they were getting humped by my dog).  If you've ever had a Leo hug you know how much love was wrapped inside.

It never mattered how tight the squeeze, Leo always found a good place to curl up and snuggle. My friend Jimmy called Leo and Sadie 'Buttfart #1 and Buttfart #2'...They kinda look like it in this picture.  That makes me smile.  Jimmy also called them snuggle monkeys.  That makes me smile even more.  If there was a national 'snuggle competition' Leo most definitely would have been the champion.  Of course, if there was a national 'loudest dog snoring competition', he would have won that as well.

My mom basically shared custody of Leo with me.  He loved being at her house when I traveled; except when it rained.  Look, he was too embarrassed to even face the camera.  Poor Papa!

Leo never passed up a good time. He was always the last man standing at all of my parties. Even if there wasn't a party and I was just on the computer working late; Leo never went to bed without me.  We turned on the porch light and locked the house up side-by-side for 12 years. I think he did that because he knew he couldn't defend me if something bad went down. Leo wouldn't be able to fight the urge to hug the burglar to death.

Leo was up late partying with me and friends the night before he was taken from me. I've been so sad, but Leo was the James Dean of pugs.  "Dream as if you'll live forever.  Live as if you'll die today."  How can I be sad when I spent 12 years with the coolest dog on the planet?

Thank you, Leo, for your love, devotion, adventurous spirit, gentle nature, comic relief and a lifetime of memories.  You're no longer my shadow, but you'll always be my sunshine.  I love you.