April 21, 2025
Hey Sadie girl,
I don’t really know how to start this, because nothing I write will ever fully capture what you meant to me. But I need to try—because you deserve that. You gave me fifteen and a half years of your life. Fifteen years of loyalty, laughter, and love I never had to earn—because you gave it freely, every single day.
You were just six weeks old when I found you. Or maybe you found me. You were this little ball of fur with eyes that already knew things—wise beyond your size. From day one, we were inseparable. Through every chapter of my life, you were there—silent, steady, and full of love. When I came home at the end of a long day, it didn’t matter if I was tired, broken, or worn down. You always met me with joy. You reminded me that I mattered. That I was loved. You gave me your time, so I gave it back. Walks, the park, a ride…anything you wanted, as long as we were together.
You were more than a dog. You were a healer. A therapy dog for hospice patients who needed comfort in their final days. An emotional support dog who knew exactly when to press your head against my chest. You were my child and my best friend. You were unique, and we had our own language. You gave me strength when I had nothing left to give. You filled my cup so I could go out and pour into others. How do I replace that?
I wrote books about you—because your story deserved to be told. From the pound to a purpose. That was your journey. And I’ll keep telling that story, Sadie. Because the world needs to know what love looks like. What loyalty feels like. What it means to be truly seen and truly needed. When I say we were always together, we were literally always together. We shared in everything.
Letting you go was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I held you in my arms, whispering, “Thank you,” and “I love you,” over and over. I hope you heard me. I hope you felt how deeply you were loved. How much you still are. I know it was your time, but I’m selfish. I wanted more. I needed more. I don’t know what to do without you in my life.
The house is quieter now. There’s this space where you used to be—and it aches. But I’ll carry you with me. In every walk, every sunrise, every moment I feel myself slipping, I’ll remember that soft nudge of your nose. That look in your eyes that always said, “I’ve got you.”
You had a purpose. You lived it fully. And you loved me through it all. I hope you are at peace. I hope God saw fit to give you your friends and family, and I pray that someday he brings us together again. Heaven wouldn’t be the same without you by my side. I don’t know what to do next, but I know what you’d want. To give someone else the same chance you got, but there is no replacing you. There is no replacing your unique personality, and your beautiful face. I hope my books did you justice, and I hope I gave you a life you were happy with.
Thank you, Sadie girl.
I miss you so much. Until we meet again my little angel.
Love always,
Troy
Troy P Zehnder 