Lauger

My Dearest Bubba,
From the moment I saw you, I was in love. I remember how surprised I was by your size—and that bark, deep and proud. It carried strength, but it was your sweet soul that spoke the loudest. Sitting tall on that ottoman, you looked like you already belonged with us. And you did.
You were love from the very beginning. You had a gentle way of reminding me to slow down, to be kinder with my words and my emotions. You taught me patience and showed me how fear can hide in anger. You helped me tread carefully, with compassion. Through you, I learned that love is always worth the risk—that even after heartbreak, it’s still okay to open your heart again.
Every day with you felt like a little adventure, even if it was just the same trail or path. You saw the world with fresh eyes and helped me do the same. You found joy in the simplest things—a walk, a cuddle, a breeze. You turned the ordinary into something magical.
And Bubba, I’m so sorry. I thought we had more time. I thought the surgery was just a bump in the road, not a sign of something worse. You were doing therapy, getting stronger—I truly believed we were headed toward better days. I wish I had listened to that quiet voice in my mind. I wish I had caught the cancer sooner. But by the time I knew, it was already too late.
Letting you go was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. But I loved you too much to let you suffer. I didn’t want to say goodbye. I wanted to keep fighting for you, but I had to be strong enough to let you rest. That decision will always ache in my heart, even though I made it out of love.
I miss everything about you—your cuddles, your goofy groans, your morning wake-ups, the way you’d run ahead to check the garage like a little guard. I miss your big, soulful eyes, the way you smiled when I scratched behind your ears, the way you leaned against my legs like you were reminding me, “I’m here, and I love you.” I miss our nightly tradition—how you always wanted to get in my seat next to your dog dad for snuggle time.
Thank you, Bubba. For being my protector, my teacher, my joy. For showing me how to trust again. For loving me without condition. You gave me more than I could ever return, and I will carry your memory with me always.
I hope your spirit still runs through the fields, plays in the sprinklers, and walks beside me when I need you most. One day, I know I’ll see you again—free, whole, and happy.
Until then, play in Heaven, my sweet baby boy. I love you more than words could ever say, and I miss you with every piece of my heart.
Forever in our hearts and loved,
Your Dog Mom