What I want to tell you now: To my precious, precious you 💌

To my precious, precious you.

Today, March 20th.
It's a truly special day for both you and me.

The day we officially became partners,
the day we started walking together as a guide dog unit.

The day we finished our joint training,
and started walking together, saying, "I'm counting on you from now on."

Back then, honestly, I was a little scared.
Wondering if I could really do this.
Wondering if I was capable.

I had expectations, but I was also full of anxiety.

But you never changed from the very beginning,
you were bright, straightforward,
and walked by my side as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Before I knew it, seven years had passed.
And today marks the start of our eighth year.

Hey, we've really been through so much, haven't we?

Going to university, taking national exams,
getting married, going to graduate school, and starting a career.

There were fun days,
days when I was so happy I couldn't help it,
days when I cried out of frustration,
and days when I thought it might be impossible.

But you were there for every moment of it.

Because you were by my side,
I, who was timid and full of anxiety,
was able to find the courage to take on many new challenges again.

You gave me,
so much courage,
so much energy,
so many smiles,
so many encounters,
so many irreplaceable experiences,
and truly so much love,
you gave me countless treasures
that are precious to me.

That is why I am here now.

I, who was afraid to go outside,
was able to walk again because you were there.

I felt like it would be okay because I was with you.

And you know, I love everything about you.

The way you always stick close to me,
the way you press your body right up against me before I even notice,
and the way you roll over and show me your belly to be spoiled.

The way you're such a glutton,
unable to stop drooling when you sense food is coming.

The way you love to play,
always acting like a tomboy, full of energy.

The way you love everyone,
people and other dogs alike,
approaching them happily while wagging your tail.

And—
at night, when I sit on the sofa,
the time I spend watching you come to my feet as if it's only natural,
and sleep with a peaceful look on your face,
is something I truly love.

Even when I'm sad, lonely,
or in pain,
the way you quietly come to my side without saying a word.

I love it all, all, all of it.

You were so full of energy when we first met,
but lately, the fur around your face has turned white,
and your walking pace has slowed down a little.

Every time I notice that,
I think, 'Ah, time has really passed.'

Honestly,
I want things to stay this way forever.

I can't imagine a life without you by my side,
and I don't want to think about it.

But when I think about your health,
and your happiness,
I realized I have to think properly about the future.

Your 10th birthday, November 20th.
I've decided to make that a milestone.

Eight more months.

It might only be eight months.
But there are still eight months left.

Let's walk together a lot.
Let's go out together a lot.
Let's laugh together a lot.

Because our time is limited,
I think that's why this moment is so precious.

Thank you for always being by my side.

Thank you for giving me courage.
Thank you for giving me energy.
Thank you for giving me smiles.

Because you were there,
I was able to walk this far.

And—

even when the day comes that you successfully complete your work as a guide dog,
you will always be,
my precious partner and my family.

We'll be together from now on, too.
Always together.

Thank you so much for coming into my life.

And I'm counting on you from here on out, too.

My dear girl.
I will always, always love you.