There is that most important part of a girl’s childhood when she solemnly declares to her parents “I want a dog,” and well, for me it wasn’t any different. With only four years of age I thought it was time that I had a pet, my very own furry best friend. So, one beautiful morning my parents took me to the pet store to choose a dog, and one cute little white puppy immediately had my attention. He had fur like cotton candy! He was—and still is—the cutest little thing, although he didn’t really like playing, or walking, but that was alright because I didn’t enjoy those kinds of things very much either. I was always a lonely child, so I considered him my best friend. I always hugged him when I cried in the middle of the night, and he always guarded my door to protect me. He was such a beautiful puppy back then. Now, a long time has passed, 15 years to be more exact, and he is still here with me. He was here when my baby sister was born, he was here when I lost my best friends, he was here when I entered the most horrible years of my entire life—high school—and he is still here while I’m getting ready to go to college. I’m leaving him, and he is old and sick, but he will always be that cute little puppy. I wish he’d live forever.

—By Carolina M., 17, Brazil