After 11.5 years, I had to let go of my best friend. I was 22 when I brought Ava home. I thought for sure that’d she would be by my side for my wedding and to help me welcome children into this world. We didn’t get to share those things. But she did move across the country with me. Three times. She’s lived in 6 houses and 3 states. She’s camped in Colorado, hiked in Utah, played fetch in the cornfields of Iowa. She’s swam in Lake Champlain and dug in the sand on the beaches of Long Island. She had more personality than most people, cost me over $10k in “emergency” vet visits alone, and I haven’t watched TV in peace since she was 4 years old. She only accepted affection on her terms, cheated death on more than one occasion, and sent me to the ER twice. I wouldn't trade a single second or a penny. I am so grateful for our 11 years, sweet baby bean.